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

Surprisingly, a digital detox can be a powerful tool for adding more positivity to your life. —Womensmedia, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

There’s also a growing number of travelers who seek to drink little to no alcohol and detox on their vacations. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2024

Getting enough sleep reduces risk of health conditions, disease, and disorders, allowing your body’s systems with time to repair and detox. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2023

Our digital detox was a world away from the tourists taking selfies up the hill backdropped by the iconic grandiose Fairmont Le Château Frontenac​​. —Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024

Your version of a digital detox can take various forms. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Discipline and Focus Matter: Implement a social media detox and create a distraction-free environment to sharpen study focus. —Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024

Salon Scalp Detox The best way to experience a scalp detox is at a salon or doctor’s office. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2024

Another factor to consider is the 'digital detox' trend, which gains traction during the holidays. —Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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