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

Instead of reporting the admission to her supervisors, Thompson booked Rusinowksi into an out-of-county detox program and a rehab facility in New Jersey before she could be drug tested, according to court documents. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026

Cue the Instagram infographics on how to develop analog hobbies; viral videos of young people simply socializing without their phones, digital detox camps, and the under 13 social media bans. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Award-winning chef Kai Mueller has created a large and unusual menu that leans into the location, with a much healthier twist (all dishes that are safe to have on the detox programme are clearly marked). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

For a scalp detox, try the Scalp Refresh and Nourish serum, which works to clarify, reduce buildup, and calm inflammation. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 6 Oct. 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
• gearbox
• hemlocks
• icebox
• jukebox

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