detox

noun

de·​tox ˈdē-ˌtäks 

di-ˈtäks

often attributive

1

: detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

a detox clinic

2

: a program or facility for assisting a person undergoing detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

spent one week in detox

3

: a regimen or treatment intended to remove toxins and impurities from the body

A well-designed detox can help purge your liver, colon, and kidneys of toxins; clear your skin; boost your energy; and help you safely shed pounds.

—Lisa Turner

detox verb

Examples of detox in a Sentence

He spent one week in detox.

The famous writer recently went into detox.

She has been through two detoxes in the past year.

Recent Examples on the Web

As in many of its properties, the spa also offers detox and sleeping options too, to enhance health even on vacation. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

San Antonio Police Public Information Officer Camelia Juarez told Dateline via email that Jeanie was seen leaving the detox center on July 15, 2024. —Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026

Catalina Island Camps director Tom Horner explained that sleep-away camps like his offer a range of benefits, from digital detox to autonomy (no offense, parents) and a break from regular schedules. —Gqlshare, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026

The Plastic Detox is Netflix’s documentary film that delves into whether lowering daily exposure to microplastics – going on a three-month plastic detox – can improve fertility markers in couples who want to start a family. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for detox

• botox
• checkbox
• comox
• cornstalks
• cowpox
• crosswalks
• deadlocks
• feedstocks
• firebox
• gearbox
• hemlocks
• icebox

Medical Definition

detox

1 of 2 noun

de·​tox (ˈ)dē-ˈtäks 

1

a

: detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

a unit providing detox for adolescents

—often used before another noun

a detox clinic

b

: a detox program or facility

There are city officials who are scrambling to see if they can extend the average stays in a detox.

—Peter Gelzinis, The Boston Herald

2

: a regimen or treatment to remove toxins and impurities from the body

A well-designed detox can help purge your liver, colon, and kidneys of toxins; clear your skin; boost your energy; and help you safely shed pounds.

—Lisa Turner, Better Nutrition

detox

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to subject oneself to or to undergo detoxification : detoxify

Safely detoxing requires a 10- to 15-day hospital stay, medical experts say.

—Luke Cyphers, ESPN

transitive verb

: to remove a harmful or intoxicating substance from (someone or something) : detoxify

Most heroin addicts have been detoxed hundreds of times.

—Susan Reed, People Weekly

also : to remove impurities from

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as phytonutrients, compounds that naturally detox the body.

—Redbook