detox

noun

de·​tox ˈdē-ˌtäks How to pronounce detox (audio)
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 Earlier this year, New York Times reporter Kashmir Hill wrote extensively about the virtues of owning a flip phone and floated the idea that in the future, people may have a yearly smartphone detox, similar to Dry January. Zoë Bernard, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024 Wells-Conrad can also arrange experiences such as a gorilla trek in Rwanda, a digital detox and spa retreat on the secluded island of Koh Kood in Thailand, or a private-island dinner in French Polynesia. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2024 In response, some have embraced digital detoxes, unsubscribing from emails, cutting back on social media use, and simplifying their digital lives to create more mental space. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Sep. 2024 Many detox centers are privately funded and require full payment or insurance, but others have long wait lists to get a bed. Landon Mion, Fox News, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detox 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detox.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detox was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near detox

Cite this Entry

“Detox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detox. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

detox

1 of 2 noun
de·​tox (ˈ)dē-ˈtäks How to pronounce detox (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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