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

It's made with pure shea butter, detoxifying moringa seed oil, and soothing aloe leaf juice to revitalize itchy, dull, and flaky skin. —Emily Shiffer, Women's Health, 9 Sep. 2023

The Clean Greens Face Mask detoxifies my skin and clean out my pores while the Papaya Bright Mask takes me back to the islands and leaves my skin bright. —Gabrielle Tazewell, ELLE, 26 May 2023

Chlorophyll Water: Ideal for skin-conscious individuals, this variant is rich in chlorophyll, known for its detoxifying properties and potential skin benefits. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2023

Opt for natural detoxifying ingredients like cilantro, ginger, and turmeric. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Aug. 2023

The organ produces cholesterol and has a critical role in detoxifying blood and balancing blood sugar. —Kim Tingley, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2023

Tula Skin Care's Detox in a Jar Exfoliating Treatment is an exfoliating mask that helps detoxify and brighten your skin. —Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023

Enter: the Know Beauty Glacial Bay Clay Mask, which works to brighten, detoxify skin, and minimize the appearance of pores. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2023

Some potential solutions that could aid in detoxification include: Detox drinks: These beverages are specifically formulated to support toxin removal and may contain ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts known for their detoxifying properties. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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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