# detoxification

/dɪˌtɑksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /diːtˌɒksɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/detoxification
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

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.