purge

¹purge

verb \ˈpərj\

purgedpurg·ing

Definition of PURGE

transitive verb

1

a : to clear of guilt

b : to free from moral or ceremonial defilement

2

a : to cause evacuation from (as the bowels)

b (1) : to make free of something unwanted <purge a manhole of gas> <purge yourself of fear> (2) : to free (as a boiler) of sediment or relieve (as a steam pipe) of trapped air by bleeding

c (1) : to rid (as a nation or party) by a purge (2) : to get rid of <the leaders had been purged>

intransitive verb

1

: to become purged

2

: to have or produce frequent evacuations

3

: to cause purgation

— purg·er noun

Examples of PURGE

1. High-ranking officials were purged from the company following the merger.
2. <a day on which the faithful are expected to purge themselves of their sins through prayer and fasting>

Origin of PURGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French purger, from Latin purigare, purgare to purify, purge, from purus pure + -igare (akin to agere to drive, do) — more at act

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PURGE

Synonyms

cleanse, purify, sanctify

Related Words

amend, improve, refine; heal, regenerate, restore; elevate, ennoble, uplift; absolve, acquit, clear, exonerate, vindicate

Near Antonyms

corrupt, debase, debauch, defile, degrade, demean, deprave, pervert, stain, warp; poison, profane, prostitute; sully, tarnish

²purge

noun

Definition of PURGE

1

: something that purges; especially : purgative

2

a : an act or instance of purging

b : the removal of elements or members regarded as undesirable and especially as treacherous or disloyal

First Known Use of PURGE

1563