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

• 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

Similar in neo-Gothic style, but purified in form and detail. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Defenseless Christians in Nigeria and Syria have recently been attacked by extremists intent on purifying those lands for Islam. —Nina Shea, National Review, 30 June 2025

Combining the system with this carbon filter attachment further purifies water by protecting against heavy metals. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2025

Because helium is a finite resource, the company purifies its helium every six to eight weeks to extend its life. —Rachel Reiff Ellis, Fortune, 3 June 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