First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1purge
verb \ˈpərj\
: to remove people from an area, country, organization, etc., often in a violent and sudden way
: to cause something to leave the body
purgedpurg·ing
Full Definition of PURGE
transitive verb
1
a : to clear of guilt b : to free from moral or ceremonial defilement
2
a : to cause evacuation from (as the bowels) b (1) : to make free of something unwanted <purge a manhole of gas> <purge yourself of fear> (2) : to free (as a boiler) of sediment or relieve (as a steam pipe) of trapped air by bleeding c (1) : to rid (as a nation or party) by a purge (2) : to get rid of <the leaders had been purged>
intransitive verb
1
: to become purged
2
: to have or produce frequent evacuations
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Origin of PURGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French purger, from Latin purigare, purgare to purify, purge, from purus pure + -igare (akin to agere to drive, do) — more at act
2purge
noun
: the often violent and sudden removal of people from an area, country, organization, etc.
Full Definition of PURGE
2
a : an act or instance of purging b : the removal of elements or members regarded as undesirable and especially as treacherous or disloyal
See purge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PURGE
1563
PURGE Defined for Kids
1purge
verb \ˈpərj\
purgedpurg·ing
Definition of PURGE for Kids
1
: to get rid of <Ineffective workers were purged from the company.>
2
: to rid of unwanted things or people <The heir alone would be able to … purge the school of all who were unworthy to study magic. — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>
2purge
noun
Definition of PURGE for Kids
1
: an act or instance of ridding of what is unwanted
2
: the removal of members thought to be treacherous or disloyal <a purge of party leaders>
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