transitive verb purged, purging purg′·ing

1. to cleanse or rid of impurities, foreign matter, or undesirable elements
2. to cleanse of guilt, sin, or ceremonial defilement
3. to remove by cleansing; clear (away, off, or out)
4. 1. to rid (a nation, political party, etc.) of individuals held to be disloyal or undesirable
   2. to kill or otherwise get rid of (such individuals)
5. Law to free from a charge or imputation of guilt
6. Med.
   1. to empty (the bowels)
   2. to cause (a person) to empty the bowels

Etymology: ME purgen < OFr purgier < L purgare, to cleanse < purus, clean (see pure) + agere, to do: see act

intransitive verb

1. to become clean, clear, or pure
2. to have or effect a thorough bowel movement

noun

1. the act of purging
2. that which purges; esp., a purgative, or cathartic
3. the process of ridding a nation, political party, etc. of individuals held to be disloyal or undesirable