detox

noun

de·​tox ˈdē-ˌtäks 

di-ˈtäks

often attributive

1

: detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

a detox clinic

2

: a program or facility for assisting a person undergoing detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

spent one week in detox

3

: a regimen or treatment intended to remove toxins and impurities from the body

A well-designed detox can help purge your liver, colon, and kidneys of toxins; clear your skin; boost your energy; and help you safely shed pounds.

—Lisa Turner

detox verb

Examples of detox in a Sentence

He spent one week in detox.

The famous writer recently went into detox.

She has been through two detoxes in the past year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Setting boundaries, practicing digital detoxes and taking meaningful time off are crucial steps toward reclaiming balance. —Jody Michael, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Instead, a successful detox often leaves people feeling introspective and curious. —Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024

Living under a microscope Rachel Hunt, 29, was six weeks pregnant, fresh out of detox and homeless at the start of 2022. —Laura C. Morel, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2024

The healthcare company cited doomscrolling and social media addiction as examples of brain rot behavior, which could be prevented by setting limits on screen time or doing a digital detox. —Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

detox

1 of 2 noun

de·​tox (ˈ)dē-ˈtäks 

1

a

: detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

a unit providing detox for adolescents

—often used before another noun

a detox clinic

b

: a detox program or facility

There are city officials who are scrambling to see if they can extend the average stays in a detox.

—Peter Gelzinis, The Boston Herald

2

: a regimen or treatment to remove toxins and impurities from the body

A well-designed detox can help purge your liver, colon, and kidneys of toxins; clear your skin; boost your energy; and help you safely shed pounds.

—Lisa Turner, Better Nutrition

detox

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to subject oneself to or to undergo detoxification : detoxify

Safely detoxing requires a 10- to 15-day hospital stay, medical experts say.

—Luke Cyphers, ESPN

transitive verb

: to remove a harmful or intoxicating substance from (someone or something) : detoxify

Most heroin addicts have been detoxed hundreds of times.

—Susan Reed, People Weekly

also : to remove impurities from

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as phytonutrients, compounds that naturally detox the body.

—Redbook