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Practice Cleanse with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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ACT 1 (American College Testing)

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What does cleanse mean?

To purify, purge, or thoroughly clean something, whether it is a physical object, a space, or even a person.
"The traditional ceremony was performed to cleanse the spiritual energy of the space."

Detailed Meaning of Cleanse

When you cleanse something, you remove impurities, contaminants, dirt, or unwanted substances to restore it to a state of cleanliness, freshness, or purity. This can involve using water, cleaning agents, or specific rituals or practices designed to remove physical, emotional, or spiritual impurities. Cleansing can also imply a symbolic or metaphorical process of renewal, detoxification, or rejuvenation, often associated with removing negative energy, emotions, or influences. It is a deliberate and intentional action to rid oneself or something else of unwanted elements or burdens. The verb 'cleanse' suggests the active pursuit of cleanliness, purity, or restoration, emphasizing the transformative nature of the process.

Example Sentences for Cleanse

1. She used a gentle face wash to cleanse her skin before bed.
2. He went on a juice cleanse to detoxify his body and improve his overall health.
3. The dentist recommended using mouthwash to cleanse the mouth and eliminate bacteria.
4. She cleansed the countertops with a disinfectant spray to remove any germs.
5. The herbal tea is believed to cleanse the digestive system and promote detoxification.
6. He took a long shower to cleanse himself of the sweat and grime from a hard day's work.

Origin and Etymology of Cleanse

The verb 'cleanse' derives its etymology from the Old English word 'clænsian,' which had the meaning of 'to make clean' or 'to purify.' This Old English term itself can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'klainisōną,' which meant 'to purify' or 'to make pure.' The concept of cleansing has deep historical and cultural significance, often associated with rituals and purification ceremonies in various societies. The etymology of 'cleanse' reflects the fundamental human desire for cleanliness and purity, not only in the physical sense of cleaning objects or spaces but also in the metaphorical sense of purifying the mind, spirit, or soul. It embodies the idea of removing impurities and restoring a state of cleanliness and purity, whether in a physical, spiritual, or symbolic context.

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More Usage Examples of Cleanse

1. The therapist guided her through a meditation practice to cleanse her mind and find inner peace.
2. The detoxifying face mask helped cleanse her pores and improve the clarity of her skin.
3. The sage smudge stick was used to cleanse the energy of the new home.
4. The yoga class included various poses and breathing exercises to cleanse and energize the body.
5. The cleaning crew worked diligently to cleanse the office space, ensuring a fresh and sanitized environment.
6. She used a special soap to cleanse her delicate skin.
7. It's essential to cleanse your face before bedtime.
8. The river's currents help cleanse the ecosystem.
9. He decided to cleanse his wardrobe of old clothes.
10. The rain will cleanse the streets of debris.
11. We need to cleanse this polluted river.
12. Meditation helps cleanse the mind of negativity.
13. They cleanse the air with advanced filtration systems.
14. A detox diet can cleanse your body of toxins.
15. Rituals are used to cleanse the soul.
16. Volunteers gather to cleanse the beach of litter.
17. The priest performed a ceremony to cleanse the temple.
18. The colon cleanse was part of her health regimen.
19. They hired a shaman to cleanse their home.
20. The spring rain will cleanse the garden soil.
21. Regular exercise can help cleanse your lymphatic system.
22. The company decided to cleanse its image.
23. The cleanse process removes harmful bacteria.
24. Yoga is known to cleanse and rejuvenate the body.
25. A facial mask can cleanse and refresh your skin.

Synonyms and Related Words for Cleanse

decontaminate
detoxify
disinfect
rinse
wash

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IPA: /klɛnz/

How to pronounce cleanse in IPA:

k=cat | l=lip | ɛ=bed | n=cleanse | z=zip

Cleanse (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

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