# cleanse

/ˈkɫɛnz/ (US) · /klˈɛnz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cleanse
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to clean thoroughly

verb · CEFR B2

to make something very clean, especially your skin or a wound.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

### 2. spiritual or moral purity

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

to remove bad feelings, guilt, or sin from someone's mind or soul.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of' or 'from'.

### 3. a period of purification

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a period of time when you eat only certain foods to try to make your body healthier.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'to go on a cleanse'.

## Examples

- She likes to cleanse her skin every morning.
- The team decided to cleanse the database of old records before the new software launch.
- The ritual was designed to cleanse the spirit of guilt, allowing the participant to begin the year with a clear conscience.

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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.