# absterge

CEFR C2 · Verb

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

## Definition

to clean or wash something thoroughly. This is an old word that people rarely use today.

For teachers: to cleanse or wash thoroughly. Archaic in modern usage, though it appears in historical or literary contexts.

## Examples

- The old sailor absterge his hands in the saltwater.
- In the old medical texts, the surgeon was instructed to absterge the wound before applying the bandage.

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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.