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

Or try Pacifica's Clarifying Scalp Massager, available at Ulta for $9, to help detoxify and decongest clogged pores. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Aug. 2024

Little research supports its use as a detoxifying product, but bentonite clay has also commonly been used as a deep hair cleanser. May Act as an Antibacterial Studies show that bentonite may have antibacterial properties that can help fight harmful bacteria. —Laura Schober, Health, 11 Aug. 2024

Unlike the other shampoos in my rotation that are geared towards detoxifying the scalp, the shampoo is enriched with coconut butter and argan oil, two nourishing ingredients that work well to maintain the health of my strands. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 6 Aug. 2024

For example, the detoxifying Hara – Belly Harmony massage (150 euros for 60 minutes) focuses on the abdomen, which in Japanese tradition is believed to be the center of vital energy linked to overall well-being. —Shamilee Vellu, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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