purge etymology

Etymology:

The word "purge" comes from the Old French word "purgier," which in turn derives from the Latin verb "purgare," meaning "to cleanse."

Meaning:

• To thoroughly clean or remove impurities, contaminants, or unwanted elements from something.
• To rid someone of disease, guilt, or other negative influences.
• To eliminate or cast out something harmful or undesirable.
• To expel gases, liquids, or toxins from the body.

Origin:

The concept of purging dates back to ancient times, when various methods were used for religious and medicinal purposes. In Greek mythology, the goddess Hecate was often associated with purification rituals, particularly those involving the expulsion of demons.

In ancient Egypt, priests and healers used a variety of purging techniques, including enemas, purgatives, and incense, to cleanse the body and promote health. The practice of purging was also prevalent in ancient India, where Ayurvedic medicine emphasized detoxification and the elimination of impurities through herbal remedies and dietary practices.

During the Middle Ages, purging became an important part of medical practice in Europe. Physicians often prescribed bloodletting, purging, and other forms of evacuation to treat a wide range of diseases. However, the widespread use of purging during this period led to some negative consequences, as excessive purging could weaken the body and cause health problems.

In the 19th century, the development of modern medicine and sanitation practices gradually reduced the reliance on purging as a primary treatment method. However, some forms of purging, such as emetics (drugs that induce vomiting) and laxatives, are still used in certain medical situations, such as to remove poisons or prepare for surgery.

purge relate terms

• pure

• castigate

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• caste

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• purge

  Etymology The word purge comes from the Old French word purgier which in turn deriv

• expurgation

  Etymology Latin expurgare to purify cleanse Meaning The removal of objectionab

• purgation

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• purgative

  Etymology Latin purgare to cleanse purify Proto Indo European purg to cleans

• expiation

  Etymology Latin expiatio expiationis expiation atonement Medieval Latin expiati

• rump

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• catharsis

  Etymology Greek κάθαρσις katharsis meaning purification cleansing Me

• cast

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• purify

  Etymology Latin purus pure Sanskrit pu to cleanse Meaning To make or bec

• scour

  Etymology The word scour originated from the Old English word scuran meaning to sc

• eliminate

  Word Etymology Meaning Origin Abate Middle English from O