Word
cleanse
US/ˈkɫɛnz/
UK/klˈɛnz/
Definitions
01to clean thoroughly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make something very clean, especially your skin or a wound.
v. to make something thoroughly clean or pure; frequently used in medical contexts for wounds or in the beauty industry for skin care.
“You should cleanse the cut with warm water before putting on a bandage.”
“The nurse carefully cleansed the area around the incision to ensure no bacteria would compromise the surgical site during the procedure.”
Antonyms
02spiritual or moral purity
C1 · Advanced Religion Formal · Literary
v. to remove bad feelings, guilt, or sin from someone's mind or soul.
v. to free someone or something from guilt, sin, or unpleasant emotions; often carries a religious or ritualistic tone.
“He felt that a long walk in the mountains helped cleanse his mind of stress.”
“The ritual was intended to cleanse the participants of their past transgressions before they entered the sacred temple.”
03a period of purification
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a period of time when you eat only certain foods to try to make your body healthier.
n. a process or period of time devoted to removing toxins from the body, typically through a specific diet or fast.
“She decided to go on a three-day juice cleanse to feel more energetic.”
“Nutritionists often debate the actual physiological benefits of a dietary cleanse, suggesting that the body's organs manage detoxification naturally.”
Synonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Liverpool cleansed themselves from the stains of defeat by Manchester City at the earliest opportunity.” “After a warm and ice-cold shower, he cleanses his face and rubs a frozen cucumber over it, which he says will reduce puffiness, acne and brighten his skin.” Etymology
From Middle English clensen, from Old English clǣnsian, from Proto-West Germanic klainisōn, from Proto-West Germanic klainī (“clean”). Cognate with West Frisian klinzgje (“to clean, cleanse”), archaic Dutch kleinzen (“to clean, purify”), Middle Low German klênsen, kleinsen, clensen (“to purify”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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