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Definition of "purge" []

  • To free from impurities; purify. (verb-transitive)
  • To remove (impurities and other elements) by or as if by cleansing. (verb-transitive)
  • To rid of sin, guilt, or defilement. (verb-transitive)
  • Law To clear (a person) of a charge or an imputation. Often used with respect to contempt of court. (verb-transitive)
  • To rid (a nation or political party, for example) of people considered undesirable. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "purge" in a sentence
  • "The left side of the street rallied against what they called a purge of Palestinians in the holy city, as its mayor prepared to give a speech nearby inside the University of Denver's concert hall."
  • "For all we know, he was fired -- but for all Frum knows, unless he knows more than he's telling, the "purge" is but a Frumian figment."
  • "The purge is on and there is no tolerance for moderate Republicans."