purge
used in Moby Dick

The exact meaning of purge can depend upon its context. For example:

• "purge the government of our enemies" — get rid of people for political reasons
• "purge my closet of everything I haven't worn in a year" — get rid of undesired things
• "To purge yourself of crippling sorrow, you'll need to express it." — get rid of unwanted feelings
• "I'm doing a 24-hour purge and then starting a new diet." — emptying the intestinal tract