English Reference
noun · adjective

cleansing

n. · adj.
US /ˈkɫɛnzɪŋ/ UK /klˈɛnzɪŋ/ cleans·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    n.the process of cleaning your skin thoroughly, especially your face.

    n.the act of removing dirt, oil, and cosmetics from the skin, typically as part of a dermatological routine.

    Simple

    A deep cleansing of your face before bed helps prevent skin problems.

    In context

    The dermatologist recommended a gentle daily cleansing to remove environmental pollutants without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

    soilingcontamination
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of getting rid of something unwanted or bad from a place or group.

    n.the removal of undesirable elements, people, or influences from a specific environment or organisation.

    Simple

    The new manager began a cleansing of the department to remove lazy workers.

    In context

    The political party underwent a thorough cleansing of its ranks following the corruption scandal that nearly destroyed its reputation.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing something that makes you or a place clean.

    adj.possessing the quality or power to clean or purify.

    Simple

    She used a cleansing cream to wash away her heavy stage makeup.

    In context

    The ritual involved a cleansing fire, which the participants believed would burn away the misfortunes of the previous year.

During the war his troops committed what became known as "ethnic cleansing" in Bosnia-Herzegovina in a bid to expel the non-Serbian population by force.

BBC News· 27 Aug 2026

Mladić had been one of the main architects of the policy of ethnic cleansing during the Bosnian war.

The Guardian· 27 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated