purify

verb

pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce purify (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dalhousie University View 1 Images Scientists in Canada have demonstrated a promising new device that can purify a gallon of water a day, for just a few cents per gallon. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2024 The humidity is condensed out of the air and turned into water, which is then purified. Chris Stokel-Walker, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Some proteins are easy to isolate and purify; others can only be produced in conjunction with their associated cellular machinery. Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Purify Recycled Water/Rain Water Recycling water and purifying it for your cultivation is a great way to be more eco-conscious in your growing. Lindsey Bartlett, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for purify 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of purify was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near purify

Cite this Entry

“Purify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purify. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

purify

verb
pu·​ri·​fy ˈpyu̇r-ə-ˌfī How to pronounce purify (audio)
purified; purifying
: to make or become pure
purification
ˌpyu̇r-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on purify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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