purge

purge [pʉrj]

vt.

purged, purging [ME purgen < OFr purgier < L purgare, to cleanse < purus, clean (see PURE) + agere, to do: see ACT¹]

1. to cleanse or rid of impurities, foreign matter, or undesirable elements

2. to cleanse of guilt, sin, or ceremonial defilement

3. to remove by cleansing; clear (away, off, or out)

4.

a) to rid (a nation, political party, etc.) of individuals held to be disloyal or undesirable

b) to kill or otherwise get rid of (such individuals)

5. Law to free from a charge or imputation of guilt

6. Med.

a) to empty (the bowels)

b) to cause (a person) to empty the bowels

vi.

1. to become clean, clear, or pure

2. to have or effect a thorough bowel movement

n.

1. the act of purging

2. that which purges; esp., a purgative, or cathartic

3. the process of ridding a nation, political party, etc. of individuals held to be disloyal or undesirable

purger

n.