cleanse

[klenz]

verb (used with object)

cleansed, cleansing 

1. to make clean.

2. to remove by or as if by cleaning.

   to cleanse sin from the soul.

verb (used without object)

cleansed, cleansing 

1. to become clean.

cleanse

/ klɛnz /

verb

1. to remove dirt, filth, etc, from

2. to remove guilt from

3. to remove a group of people from (an area) by means of ethnic cleansing

Other Word Forms

• cleansable adjective
• recleanse verb (used with object)
• uncleansable adjective
• uncleansed adjective
• well-cleansed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleanse¹

before 900; Middle English clensen, Old English clǣnsian, equivalent to clǣne clean + -si- v. suffix + -an infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleanse¹

Old English clǣnsian; related to Middle Low German klēnsen; see _clean

Synonym Study

See clean.

Example Sentences

The RSF has previously denied charges of targeting civilians and carrying out ethnic cleansing.

From BBC

“The smaller tours cleansed the palate for me and were fun for my band and the hardcore fans,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

It has dismissed charges of ethnic cleansing, describing the violence as tribal conflicts.

From BBC

The RSF has also been widely accused of ethnic cleansing in Darfur during this war, and the US has sanctioned it with allegations of genocide.

From BBC

I spent too many years witnessing ethnic cleansing, genocide and crimes against humanity often carried out because of hatred of a different identity.

From BBC

Related Words

• disinfect 
• purge 
• restore 
• sanitize