purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce purify (audio)
purified; purifying
Synonyms of purifynext

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To deepen the relaxation, purify your mind and body during a temescal sweat-lodge ceremony or schedule a treatment in one of the two cocoon-like spa pods, each of which features a private garden. Carole Dixon, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026 While some cleansers strip skin of moisture while purifying pores and removing dirt and oil, this one does the opposite, according to shoppers. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 Her ability to purify and characterize myelin basic protein was really sort of pinpointing one of the first myelin proteins that came to the attention of neuroscientists. Marcy Thompson, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026 Between Margo’s newfound motherhood, Shyanne’s attempt to purify herself with a religious boyfriend and the reappearance of Margo’s estranged father, Jinx (Offerman), things get messy. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purify

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of purify was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purify. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

purify

verb
pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce purify (audio)
purified; purifying
: to make or become pure
purification
ˌpyu̇r-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən
noun

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