Word
detoxification
Phoneticsdetox·i·fi·ca·tion
US/dɪˌtɑksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
UK/diːtˌɒksɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. cleaning harmful or poisonous substances out of your body. You hear it about treatment for drug or alcohol problems, and about diets that claim to clean your system.
n. removal of toxic substances or their effects from the body or another system, especially through medical treatment or metabolic processes. Often refers to supervised withdrawal treatment for drug or alcohol dependence.
Examples
“She starts detoxification at the clinic this week.”
“After years of heavy drinking, he enters a hospital program for alcohol detoxification and withdrawal support.”
“The liver performs natural detoxification every day, filtering blood and breaking down chemicals that would otherwise accumulate to harmful levels.”
Examples
simple
“She starts detoxification at the clinic this week.”
contextual
“After years of heavy drinking, he enters a hospital program for alcohol detoxification and withdrawal support.”
complex
“The liver performs natural detoxification every day, filtering blood and breaking down chemicals that would otherwise accumulate to harmful levels.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “detoxification” in context.
Verb
01. detoxification begins
“Detoxification begins with a thorough medical assessment and blood tests.”
noun + verb
02. detoxification involves
“Detoxification involves clearing toxins while managing withdrawal safely.”
noun + verb
03. detoxification lasts
“Alcohol detoxification usually lasts between five and seven days.”
noun + verb
04. facilitate detoxification
“Medication was prescribed to facilitate detoxification and ease cravings.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. complete detoxification
“Complete detoxification can take several weeks depending on the substance.”
adj + noun
06. gradual detoxification
“Doctors recommended gradual detoxification to reduce withdrawal symptoms.”
adj + noun
07. medical detoxification
“He was admitted to hospital for medical detoxification after severe alcohol dependence.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. period of detoxification
“He experienced intense cravings during the period of detoxification.”
noun + prep + noun
09. process of detoxification
“The process of detoxification should always be monitored by doctors.”
noun + prep + noun
10. complete an inpatient detoxification
“He completed an inpatient detoxification programme last spring.”
11. go through alcohol detoxification
“He went through alcohol detoxification twice before staying sober.”
12. manage symptoms during detoxification
“Nurses help manage symptoms during detoxification around the clock.”
Real-World Examples
“A natural detoxification system clears it out of the body so it causes no harm.” “Initially, the clinic utilized methadone for detoxification, gradually reducing dosages over a period of ten days.” “Soldiers identified as heroin users through the mandatory urinalysis program are sent to these treatment centers, where they are closely monitored and undergo detoxification for four to seven days.” “Furthermore, he will supervise mandatory testing for all veterans returning to the United States, as well as the necessary detoxification and treatment for those identified as drug users.” Etymology
From de- + toxification.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/detoxification