cleanse
/klenz/ (bre, ipa) · /klenz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklenz/ (ame, mw)
cleanse — verb
- cleansepresent simple I / you / we / they
- cleanseshe / she / it
- cleansedpast simple
- cleansing-ing form
1. to clean something very thoroughly, especially your skin, a wound, or an object,
to clean something very thoroughly, especially your skin, a wound, or an object, so that no dirt or harmful bacteria remain.
The nurse cleansed the cut on Yuna's arm with antiseptic before putting on a bandage.
cleanse + wound object
Kwame uses a special foam to cleanse his face every morning and evening.
cleanse + skin care object
Before the ceremony, the priest cleansed the ancient stone with water from the spring.
Mira cleansed the kitchen counter with vinegar before kneading the bread dough.
- dirty
to make something unclean
- contaminate
to make something impure or harmful
文法句型
cleanse + object
用法筆記
Stronger and more thorough than 'clean'. Often used for medical care, skincare routines, or ritual washing.
常見錯誤
2. to remove guilt, sin, or bad influences from a person, a group, or an organizati
to remove guilt, sin, or bad influences from a person, a group, or an organization — for example, apologising to feel better, or removing corruption from a government.
Clara went to the temple to cleanse her spirit after the argument with her brother.
cleanse + spirit / soul — spiritual purification
The new director promised to cleanse the department of all corrupt practices.
cleanse + of + [bad thing] — removing negative elements
Ravi felt that the public apology had cleansed him of the shame he had carried for years.
The villagers believed the river water would cleanse them of their bad luck.
- corrupt
to make someone morally bad or dishonest
文法句型
cleanse + object
cleanse + object + of + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'of' to specify what is being removed. The object is typically something abstract: spirit, soul, conscience, organisation, community.
常見錯誤
cleanse — noun
- cleansesingular
- cleansesplural
1. a short period, typically a few days or weeks, when you eat only certain foods o
a short period, typically a few days or weeks, when you eat only certain foods or drink only liquids so that harmful substances leave your body and you feel healthier.
Mei-Lin did a seven-day juice cleanse to feel healthier and more energetic.
do a [number]-day cleanse — typical duration pattern
The doctor warned Leila that extreme cleanses can sometimes do more harm than good.
After the holiday season, many people go on a cleanse to lose the weight they gained.
Hassan started a three-day green smoothie cleanse after his birthday parties.
文法句型
go on a cleanse
do a cleanse
用法筆記
Common in health and wellness contexts. Often paired with a specific type: 'juice cleanse', 'water cleanse', 'detox cleanse'. Not a medical term recognised by most doctors.
常見錯誤
2. a product that you use to remove dirt and oil from your skin, especially your fa
a product that you use to remove dirt and oil from your skin, especially your face, or the action of using such a product on your skin.
Theo bought a gentle facial cleanse that does not dry out his skin.
facial cleanse — specific type of product
Priya's dermatologist recommended a cream cleanse for her sensitive skin.
A good cleanse in the morning helps Omar's skin feel fresh throughout the day.
Adina keeps a small bottle of oil cleanse in her bathroom drawer.
文法句型
use a cleanse
apply a cleanse
用法筆記
In beauty contexts, 'cleanse' is often countable ('a gentle cleanse') and refers to either the product or the act of using it. The more common word for the product itself is 'cleanser'.
常見錯誤
3. something that you do to make yourself feel free from guilt, sin, or bad memorie
something that you do to make yourself feel free from guilt, sin, or bad memories — such as a religious ritual, a confession, or a symbolic act.
Elena saw the pilgrimage as a spiritual cleanse that would heal her troubled heart.
spiritual cleanse — moral/religious purification
The community held a ceremony of cleansing to mark a fresh start after the conflict.
For Jack, writing in his journal every night felt like a mental cleanse before sleep.
Father Lopez recommended a weekly cleanse of confession to ease her conscience.
- purification
more formal; can be physical or spiritual
- atonement
specifically about making up for wrongdoing; religious tone
用法筆記
Often follows a metaphor of washing or purification. The 'cleanse' can be a specific action, ritual, or period of reflection. Less common than verb sense 2.