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

• cleanse
• purge
• sanctify

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

Biogas’s new plant, called Hidden Hollow Energy, purifies the gas coming out of the landfill and turns it into fuel for buses, trucks and other large vehicles, Tryon said. —Sarah Cutler june 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2025

The ore is purified, dissolved in hot acid and converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF6), a gaseous compound. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Elements such as green walls or systems that collect, purify, and reuse rainwater can actually improve the environment. —Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 21 June 2025

This body cleanser is formulated with antioxidants and plant extracts that purify—sans the harsh stripping—and give skin an even, hydrated appearance. —Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 12 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