purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī 

purified; purifying

transitive verb

: to make pure: such as

a

: to clear from material defilement or imperfection

b

: to free from guilt or moral or ceremonial blemish

c

: to free from undesirable elements

intransitive verb

: to grow or become pure or clean

purifier

ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms of purify

• purge

Examples of purify in a Sentence

We purified the water by boiling it.

You can purify the air with a filtration system.

a bottle of purified water

She believed she could purify herself through constant prayer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Drinking water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning is one of the most vouched-for wellness tips—and not just for its purifying properties. —Ana Morales, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2025

The company uses large columns in a specialized filtration process developed at Purdue University to extract and purify valuable metals from raw ore, but also recycled rare earths from old magnets. —Scott Neuman, NPR, 21 Nov. 2025

Plants naturally purify the air. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2025

Berenter said people have become more familiar with the concept of purifying sewage — and much more trusting of the science behind it — since San Diego first floated the idea two decades ago. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purifien, from Anglo-French purifier, from Latin purificare, from Latin purus + -ificare -ify

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for purify

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

Kids Definition

purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī 

purified; purifying

: to make or become pure

purification

ˌpyu̇r-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun

purifier

ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun