detoxify
verb
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
Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
Also, members will experience detoxifying movements and core activation exercises, including calming breathwork and abdominal massage, while receiving a gut-friendly grocery list and mindset prompts designed to encourage lasting lifestyle shifts.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 May 2025
Adlon Detox Cure Day: bliss at its finest which includes a 50-minute detoxifying lymph drainage massage; and all-day use of the spa facilities for the ultimate in pampering.
—Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
The movement routines then take users through detoxifying flows, core activation exercises, calming breathwork and abdominal massage.
—Alexandra Pastore, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for detoxify
Cite this Entry
“Detoxify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detoxify. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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detoxify
verb
J. M. Markham
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