ˈpyu̇rəˌfī verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English purifien, from Middle French purifier, from Latin purificare, from purus pure + -ificare -ify
transitive verb
1. : to make pure: as
a. : to clear from material defilement or imperfection : free from impurities or noxious matter
purifying air by filtration
purified the house with soap, and water, and sweat
b. : to free from guilt or moral blemish
purify the heart
c. : to cleanse ceremonially
and Moses … purified the altar — Lev 8:15 (Revised Standard Version)
d. : to free from anything that is alien, extraneous, improper, corrupting, or otherwise damaging
purify a language of barbarisms
purified the state of traitors
2. Scots law : to free (a condition) from defect or imperfection by performance or fulfillment
intransitive verb
: to grow or become pure or clean