cleansing
Making something spotless
Cleansing is the act of making something clean or pure.
The word carries more weight than simple cleaning—it suggests thoroughness or ritual significance.
A cleansing diet purges toxins from the body.
Ethnic cleansing is the forced removal or extermination of a population.
Cleansing cream removes makeup; a cleansing breath restores calm.
Ritualized washing of body
- smudgingMaking blurry marks
- sageWisdom keeper or seasoning
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
incense · sanctification · exorcism · baptism · blessing · anointment · purity · chanting
Fatty alkali cleanser
- waterClear essential liquid
- scrubClean by rubbing hard
- washClean using liquid
- rinseWash without scrubbing
lather · shampoo · antibacterial · sanitizer · disinfectant · shower · bath · washcloth
Removing harmful substances internally
- toxinsHarmful biological substances
- fastingDeliberate food avoidance
- juicingExtracting produce liquid
- flushSame suit, five cards
elimination · liver · kidneys · purge · herbal · tea · charcoal · sweating
Spiritual or physical regeneration
- transformationThorough change in form
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
- restorationReturning something to condition
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
revitalization · catharsis · purging · release · healing · recovery · fresh start · letting go
Of a cultural group
- genocideSystematic annihilation of a people
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
- pogromViolent persecution of minorities
- atrocityUnforgivable mass cruelty
displacement · massacre · expulsion · purge · systematic · forced · population · campaign
ablution
Ritualized washing of body
purification · incense · sanctification · exorcism · baptism · blessing · anointment · purity · chanting · mikveh
soap
Fatty alkali cleanser
rinse · lather · shampoo · antibacterial · sanitizer · disinfectant · shower · bath · washcloth · exfoliate
detoxification
Removing harmful substances internally
flush · elimination · liver · kidneys · purge · herbal · tea · charcoal · sweating · abstinence
rebirth
Spiritual or physical regeneration
- transformationThorough change in form
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
- restorationReturning something to condition
regeneration · revitalization · catharsis · purging · release · healing · recovery · fresh start · letting go · emotional
ethnic
Of a cultural group
- genocideSystematic annihilation of a people
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
- pogromViolent persecution of minorities
atrocity · displacement · massacre · expulsion · purge · systematic · forced · population · campaign · victims
- Beauty tipsskincare routine, makeup tips, hair care, moisturizing, exfoliating
- Biblical Ritualsburnt offerings, altar offering, drink offering, thank offering, temple worship
- New Agecrystals, auras, reiki, tarot, astrology
- Penanceconfession booth, act of contrition, contrition, penitent, public penance
- Skincare stepsexfoliation, moisturizing, toning, masking, hydrating
- Afro-Brazilian Religionaxe, syncretism, spirit possession, drumming, spirit guides
cleansingsoiling
Making something unclean
dirtying · contamination · contaminating · polluting · staining
cleansingdefilement
Act of corrupting purity
corruption · desecration · profanation · violation · blasphemy
cleansingcontamination
Introduction of impurities
pollution · infection · infecting · adulterating · adulteration
- ethnic cleansingSystematic removal of populations
- ritual cleansingCeremonial act of purifying
- cleansing ritualsCeremonies for symbolic purification
- spiritual cleansingRitual removal of impurities
- palate cleansingNeutralizing taste between dishes
- cleansing fireFlames that purify