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purge

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /pɜrdʒ/

KK: /pɜrdʒ/

intransitive verb
Definition

To become clean or free from unwanted things, often by removing them completely.


Example

After the winter, we decided to purge our garden of all the dead plants.


Tense Forms

Past: purged

Past Participle: purged


Conversation
Sloth A
I think I need to purge my closet; it’s overflowing with clothes I never wear.
Sloth B
That sounds like a good idea! It always feels nice to clear out the old stuff.
Sloth A
Yeah, I just want to keep what I really love and purge the rest.
Sloth B
Absolutely! You’ll feel so much lighter afterward.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cleanse
empty
clear
Antonyms
contaminate
pollute
taint
noun
Definition

A process or action of removing unwanted things or people, often to make something cleaner or more efficient.


Example

The company decided to conduct a purge of outdated files to improve organization.


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard there's going to be a purge of the old files at work.
Sloth B
Really? That sounds like a big task.
Sloth A
Yeah, we need to clear out what's not needed anymore.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To remove or get rid of something unwanted or undesirable, often to clean or purify.


Example

The organization decided to purge its records of outdated information.


Tense Forms

Past: purged

Past Participle: purged


Conversation
Sloth A
I’ve been thinking about ways to purge all the clutter in my room.
Sloth B
That sounds like a great idea! Clutter can be so distracting.
Sloth A
Yeah, I just want to purge anything I don't really need anymore.
Root Explanation

Purge → It is formed from "pur" (from Latin "purus", meaning clean or pure) and "-ge" (a suffix used in forming verbs). The word "purge" means to make something clean or free from impurities.

Memory Tip

Think of making something 'clean' ('purus') — that's why purge means to remove impurities.

Visually Confused Words
spurge
urge
pure
upsurge
splurge
repurge
expurge
urger
Is this page helpful?
I guess it's good to keep things organized and up to date.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cleansing
removal
elimination
Antonyms
addition
inclusion
retention
Sloth B
I totally get that. It feels so refreshing once it’s done!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
eliminate
cleanse
remove
Antonyms
retain
keep
include