See Also: cleanse(dictionary)
cleanse(dictionary)

cleanse (iou)



cleanse verb.

I. verb trans.
Make morally or spiritually clean (of, from, sin, guilt, etc.); expiate (sin or crime). OE.
Make free of dirt etc. Now usu. arch. & formal. OE.
verb trans. Chiefly in biblical translations: make ceremonially or sanitarily clean; cure (a leper etc.). arch. OE.
verb trans. Purge, clear by evacuation. OE.
verb trans. Clear, rid (of, from). ME.
II. verb intrans.
Remove sin, guilt, dirt, (arch.) infection, etc. ME.
Of cattle: pass the afterbirth. north. E17.
Phrases: cleansing cream: for removing unwanted matter from the face, hands, etc. cleansing department a local service of refuse collection etc. cleansing tissue: for removing unwanted matter from the face, hands, etc.
cleansable adjective L15.
cleanser noun a person who or thing which cleanses; spec. (a) arch. a purgative; (b) a cosmetic for cleaning the skin: OE.