purify

1 of 2

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī 

purified; purifying

transitive verb

: to make pure: such as

a

: to clear from material defilement or imperfection

b

: to free from guilt or moral or ceremonial blemish

c

: to free from undesirable elements

intransitive verb

: to grow or become pure or clean

purifier

ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

purifier

2 of 2

noun

pu·​ri·​fi·​er ˈpyu̇rəˌfī(ə)r 

-īə

plural -s

: one that purifies or cleanses (as an apparatus for purifying coal gas or a machine for separating fine bran particles from flour middlings) : cleanser, refiner

Synonyms of purify

Verb

• purge

Examples of purify in a Sentence

Verb

We purified the water by boiling it.

You can purify the air with a filtration system.

a bottle of purified water

She believed she could purify herself through constant prayer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The technique already plays a major role in biotechnology, where manufacturers use it to purify complex compounds and biologic medicines. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Puerto Rico’s governor had declared a state of emergency in late July because of the persistent dry conditions and activated the National Guard to transport, distribute, and purify water. — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

The heavy snows purify the air and insulate the food warehouses, locking in the high humidity and stable chill necessary to nurture delicate winter koji and yeast strains without catastrophic temperature spikes. — Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Aug. 2026

Pure Copper Charm, which comes in two adorable shapes, a heart or star, is a natural antimicrobial and releases purifying trace copper ions into vase water. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English purifien, from Anglo-French purifier, from Latin purificare, from Latin purus + -ificare -ify

Noun

Middle English, from purifien to purify + -er

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for purify

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids Definition

purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī 

purified; purifying

: to make or become pure

purification

ˌpyu̇r-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun

purifier

ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun