detoxify

verb

de·​tox·​i·​fy (ˌ)dē-ˈtäk-sə-ˌfī 

detoxified; detoxifying

transitive verb

1

a

: to remove a harmful substance (such as a poison or toxin) or the effect of such from

b

: to render (a harmful substance) harmless

2

: to free (someone, such as a drug user or an alcoholic) from an intoxicating or an addictive substance in the body or from dependence on or addiction to such a substance

3

: neutralize sense 2

detoxification

(ˌ)dē-ˌtäk-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

Did you know?

These days, detoxify can mean to free (someone) from a substance addiction (and yes, it's the source of detox, a more recent word that also refers to getting drugs or alcohol out of a person's system). Originally, however, detoxification was something done to things rather than to people. In its earliest uses - from about 1905 - detoxify referred to the removal of poison, or of poisonous or damaging properties, from a harmful substance, or to the removal of poisonous or toxic substances from something contaminated (such as the bloodstream).The specific application to removing poison from an addict is relatively new, dating to the mid-20th century. Today, detoxify is also often used generally in reference to counteracting the activity or effect of anything harmful (such as propaganda).

Examples of detoxify in a Sentence

a special tea that is supposed to detoxify the body

a drug addict who is being detoxified

Recent Examples on the Web

Milk thistle is an invaluable herbal remedy thanks to its digestive, purifying, and detoxifying properties. —Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2024

The spa is a slice of heaven, with cocoa body wraps and detoxifying coffee scrubs. —Catherine Fairweather, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2024

This mask uses detoxifying Mediterranean and Dead Sea mud to clear out pores and clarify while nourishing with aloe and jojoba oil, so the skin is not stripped of necessary moisture. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024

Story continues below advertisement Efforts to detoxify AI image tools have focused on a few seemingly fruitful interventions: filtering data sets, finessing the final stages of development, and encoding rules to address issues that earned the company bad PR. —Szu Yu Chen, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023

The Algae Draining Wrap promises to detoxify my entire body—I am slathered in clay, wrapped in plastic, and covered in a heated blanket. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2024

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is known for its detoxifying properties and may help eliminate traces of delta-8 THC from your system. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Aug. 2023

Head spas claim that scalp treatments promote circulation and detoxify, calm and hydrate skin, all of which help prevent dandruff, itchiness, dryness, inflammation and hair loss. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024

The brand’s powder pairs 12 grams of protein with alkalizing greens and detoxifying algae to support lean muscle, satiation, and proper liver detoxification. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Medical Definition

detoxify

verb

de·​tox·​i·​fy (ˈ)dē-ˈtäk-sə-ˌfī 

detoxified; detoxifying

transitive verb

1

a

: to remove a poison or toxin or the effect of such from

b

: to render (a harmful substance) harmless

2

: to free (as a drug user or an alcoholic) from an intoxicating or an addictive substance in the body or from dependence on or addiction to such a substance

the clinic started detoxifying him by gradually lowering his dosage

—J. M. Markham

intransitive verb

: to become free of addiction to a drug or alcohol

detoxification

(ˌ)dē-ˌtäk-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun