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
Peter J. Frank, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025
Made with proprietary PhytoFerment technology, the line includes a scalp spray priced at $38, a detoxifying shampoo going for $39, a detangling spray at $28, a $48 oil treatment and hair and scalp balm with a $36 price tag.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
Temazcal ceremonies take place in large, round sweat lodge-style structures of the same name, and use elements like heat and steam to detoxify and cleanse the body and spirit.
—Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Smoothing round poppy seeds and sea salt—which do the gentle buffing—come suspended in a hunk of detoxifying French blue clay, nourishing olive fruit oil, and zingy peppermint essential oil, the latter of which wakes you up better than any iPhone alarm.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 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 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
detoxify
verb
J. M. Markham
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