/ ˈpjʊərɪfaɪ; NAmE ˈpjʊr-/ verb ( puri·fies , puri·fy·ing , puri·fied , puri·fied ) [ vn ]
1.
to make sth pure by removing substances that are dirty, harmful or not wanted :
One tablet will purify a litre of water
2.
to make sb pure by removing evil from their souls :
Hindus purify themselves by bathing in the river Ganges.
3.
purify sth (from sth) ( technical ) to take a pure form of a substance out of another substance that contains it
► puri·fi·ca·tion / ˌpjʊərɪfɪˈkeɪʃn; NAmE ˌpjʊr-/ noun [ U ]:
a water purification plant
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French purifier , from Latin purificare , from purus pure.