First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
purify
verb pu·ri·fy \ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī\
: to remove dirty or harmful substances from (something)
: to free (someone) from guilt or evil thoughts
pu·ri·fiedpu·ri·fy·ing
Full Definition of PURIFY
transitive verb
: to make pure: 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
— pu·ri·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun
See purify defined for English-language learners
See purify defined for kids
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Origin of PURIFY
Middle English purifien, from Anglo-French purifier, from Latin purificare, from Latin purus + -ificare -ify
Rhymes with PURIFY
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PURIFY Defined for Kids
purify
verb pu·ri·fy \ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī\
pu·ri·fiedpu·ri·fy·ing
Definition of PURIFY for Kids
: to make pure : free from impurities
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