1. the act of cleaning by getting rid of impurities (Freq. 2) • Derivationally related forms: purify • Hypernyms: cleaning, cleansing, cleanup 2. the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.) • Syn: refining, refinement • Derivationally related forms: purify, refine (for: refinement), refine (for: refining) • Hypernyms: processing • Hyponyms: rectification 3. a ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites • Syn: purgation • Derivationally related forms: purge (for: purgation), purify • Hypernyms: ceremony 4. the act of purging of sin or guilt; moral or spiritual cleansing - purification through repentance • Derivationally related forms: purify • Hypernyms: purge, purging, purgation