IPA

Dictionary definition of purge

To remove or eliminate something, typically in a systematic and forceful manner.
"The chief promised to purge the force of corruption within the next six months."

Detailed meaning of purge

The term can have multiple meanings depending on the context. In politics, a purge is the removal of people who are considered disloyal or undesirable from a government, political party, or other organization. It can also refer to a campaign of political repression where the government or regime targeted groups of people, such as a particular ethnic group, political opposition, or class of people, and removes them through imprisonment, execution, or forced exile.
In technology and engineering, a purge is the act of removing air or other gases from a system, such as a pipeline or a vacuum chamber.
In everyday usage, it can refer to the act of cleaning out or removing unwanted or unnecessary items from a space, such as a closet, a room, or a computer's hard drive.
In general, the term purge carries the connotation of a thorough and complete removal, whether it's people, ideas, or physical items.

Example sentences containing purge

1. "We must purge the system of corruption to restore public faith," she asserted.
2. "To heal, society will purge intolerance and hate," the leader proclaimed.
3. Laws to purge toxic waste from rivers will protect our precious ecosystems.
4. In spring, gardeners purge dead plants, fostering new, vibrant growth.
5. "Every year, I purge my closet of clothes I no longer wear," Tom admitted.
6. Governments should purge policies that harm the environment, activists say.

History and etymology of purge

The verb 'purge' has its etymological roots in Latin. It derives from the Latin word 'purgare,' which is a combination of 'purus,' meaning 'pure' or 'clean,' and 'agere,' meaning 'to do' or 'to make.' Therefore, 'purgare' literally meant 'to make pure' or 'to cleanse.' Over time, this Latin term evolved into the English verb 'purge,' with a shift in meaning to refer to the act of removing or eliminating something, often in a systematic and forceful manner, with the intention of cleansing or purifying a system, organization, or entity. The concept of purification remains at the heart of the term, as it implies the removal of impurities, unwanted elements, or wrongdoing to restore a state of cleanliness or integrity.

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Further usage examples of purge

1. The chef said, "I purge the pantry annually to maintain freshness."
2. They aim to purge the internet of harmful content to safeguard users.
3. The new mayor vowed to purge the city of crime and restore safety.
4. A purge of outdated laws will create room for progress and innovation.
5. To update our database, we purge obsolete data, ensuring accuracy.
6. Before the festival, the villagers will purge the shrine of any impurities.
7. You must purge your computer of viruses with a reliable antivirus program.
8. To maintain purity in the process, they purge the pipes every evening.
9. Every year, she will purge her closet of old clothes and donate them to charity.
10. If you purge the system of corrupt files, it will run more smoothly.
11. The government made a decision to purge the department of individuals found guilty of misconduct.
12. I use this special filter to purge the water of contaminants.
13. After the scandal, the company decided to purge its ranks of all those involved.
14. To heal, you must first purge your mind of negative thoughts.
15. The manual states that you must purge the air from the hydraulic system before using it.
16. Once a month, I purge my kitchen cabinets of expired goods.
17. During the therapy session, he learned how to purge his heart of lingering resentment.
18. The farmers purge the soil of weeds to prepare for planting.
19. By using this special herb, traditional healers believe they can purge the body of toxins.
20. Engineers will purge the cooling system to ensure no gases are trapped inside.
21. The organization made a tough call to purge the member list of non-active participants.
22. It's time to purge your life of unnecessary stress and focus on what matters most.
23. They believe a fire ceremony can purge the area of negative energy.
24. In a new version of the software, the developers decided to purge it of all previous bugs.