1. purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels • Syn: catharsis, katharsis • Derivationally related forms: purge, cathartic (for: catharsis) • Hypernyms: purge, purging 2. a ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites • Syn: purification • Derivationally related forms: purge, purify (for: purification) • Hypernyms: ceremony 3. the act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge • Syn: purge, purging • Derivationally related forms: purge, purge (for: purging), purge (for: purge) • Hypernyms: clearing • Hyponyms: purification
