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

The body naturally detoxifies through the liver, and regular blood donations may help remove chemicals from the blood. Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemical compounds in several household products. —Steffini Stalos, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

Dandelion root extract has been used in China for generations to reduce swelling and detoxify the body.56 May Promote Digestive Health Dandelion root tea contains inulin—a prebiotic fiber that nourishes the beneficial bacteria in your gut. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 19 Sep. 2024

The viscosity lathers well without being overly foamy, and the essential oils provide antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying benefits. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2024

While many purifying formulas can irritate the scalp, this one is very gentle despite its efficacy; essential oils and minerals help detoxify strands while bisabolol soothes a tender scalp. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Oct. 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