I. ˈpərgəd.]iv, ˈpə̄g-, ˈpəig-, -gət] adjective
Etymology: Middle English purgatif, from Middle French, from Late Latin purgativus, from Latin purgatus + -ivus -ive
1. : purging or tending to purge : cathartic
2. : cleansing or purifying especially from sin or sinful inclinations : purgatorial , expiatory
a purgative ceremony
3. : freeing legally from fault or blame : clearing from guilt
a purgative answer
purgative evidence
II. noun
( -s )
: a purging medicine : cathartic — compare laxative