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Purge

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. As a verb: To remove or get rid of something unwanted, harmful, or impure; to cleanse or purify.
2. As a noun: The act of removing or cleansing something, often involving the removal of people, ideas, or substances considered undesirable.

History and Origin

The word “purge” comes from the Latin purgare, meaning “to cleanse” or “to purify.” The term has been used since the Middle Ages in the context of purification, whether in religious, physical, or political senses. Over time, it expanded to refer to the removal of anything perceived as corrupt or undesirable, often in a broader social or political context.

Detailed Explanation

“To purge” generally means to cleanse or remove unwanted elements, whether they are physical impurities, emotional burdens, or harmful people or influences. In a physical context, purging can refer to cleaning or disinfecting, while in social, political, or emotional contexts, it refers to eliminating harmful elements, ideas, or people. Historically, purges have been used in political regimes to remove rivals, or in medicine to expel toxins from the body. The word often carries connotations of force or thoroughness in the removal process.

Example Sentences

1. The company decided to purge outdated files from its database.
2. After the scandal, the government launched a purge of corrupt officials.
3. The artist purged all negative thoughts from her mind before beginning her work.
4. He felt the need to purge his house of clutter and unnecessary items.
5. The organization is planning a purge of any harmful practices that hurt the community.
6. The purge of toxic substances from the body can be part of a detox process.
7. Political purges can lead to widespread fear and instability.
8. She purged her closet, getting rid of old clothes she no longer wore.
9. In ancient times, people believed that fasting could purge the body of impurities.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Cleanse: To remove impurities or undesirable elements.
2. Eliminate: To completely remove or get rid of something.
3. Expunge: To remove completely, particularly in the context of records or information.
4. Rid: To make free from something harmful or unwanted.
5. Purge out: To forcefully expel or remove something from a system or environment.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Detoxify: To cleanse or purify the body from toxins.
2. Exorcise: To drive out harmful influences or spirits, often used in a metaphorical sense.
3. Reform: To make changes in a system or institution, often removing harmful elements.
4. Sanitize: To clean something to make it hygienic or free from harmful substances.
5. Cleansing: The process of purging impurities, often used in spiritual or physical contexts.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Culling: The selective removal of undesirable elements, often used in the context of animals or plants.
2. Elimination: The act of completely removing something, often in a competitive or process-driven sense.
3. Ejection: The act of forcefully removing someone or something from a place or situation.
4. Disinfection: The process of removing harmful agents, particularly in a hygienic context.
5. Repression: The act of suppressing undesirable thoughts, feelings, or people.

Antonyms

1. Accumulate
2. Retain
3. Keep
4. Maintain
5. Preserve