detoxify

verb de·tox·i·fy \(ˌ)dē-ˈtäk-sə-ˌfī\

: to remove a poisonous or harmful substance from (something)

: to cause (someone) to stop using drugs or alcohol by providing special help and treatment

de·tox·i·fiedde·tox·i·fy·ing

Full Definition of DETOXIFY

transitive verb

a : to remove a harmful substance (as a poison or toxin) or the effect of such from

b : to render (a harmful substance) harmless

: 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

: neutralize 2

— de·tox·i·fi·ca·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌtäk-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

See detoxify defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of DETOXIFY

circa 1905

Rhymes with DETOXIFY

acetify, acidify, ammonify, aniline dye, a priori, beatify, bourgeoisify, commodify, complexify, decalcify, decertify, declassify, demystify, denazify, desanctify, desertify, Dioscuri, disqualify, dissatisfy, diversify, electric eye, electrify, emulsify, esterify, exemplify, facetiae, Gorno-Altay, hang out to dry, Helvetii, humidify, identify, indemnify, intensify, money supply, objectify, personify, preoccupy, reliquiae, revivify, rigidify, sacrifice fly, saponify, see eye to eye, solemnify, solidify, syllabify, transmogrify, turn a blind eye, undersupply, vox populi, water supply

Medical Dictionary

detoxify

verb de·tox·i·fy \(ˈ)dē-ˈtäk-sə-ˌfī\

de·tox·i·fiedde·tox·i·fy·ing

Medical Definition of DETOXIFY

transitive verb

a : to remove a poison or toxin or the effect of such from b : to render (a harmful substance) harmless

: 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