# ablude

CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ablude
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to wash or clean something by using water. This is an old word that you will only see in very old books or poems.

For teachers: to wash or cleanse by the application of water. Primarily found in archaic or poetic contexts; the modern equivalent is 'wash'.

## Examples

- The old poem describes the river abluding the stones.
- In the archaic text, the priest is described as abluding his hands before the ceremony began.
- The poet uses the archaic verb ablude to evoke a sense of ritual purity and the cleansing power of nature in the ancient landscape.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.