Both Uses of
purge
in
Henry IV, Part 1
- So please your Majesty, I would I could Quit all offences with as clear excuse As well as I am doubtless I can purge Myself of many I am charged withal: Yet such extenuation let me beg, As, in reproof of many tales devised By smiling pick-thanks and base news-mongers,—Which oft the ear of greatness needs must hear,—I may, for some things true, wherein my youth Hath faulty wander'd and irregular, Find pardon on my true submission.†
Scene 3.2purge = get rid of
- If I do grow great, I'll grow less; for I'll purge, and leave sack, and live cleanly as a nobleman should do.†
Scene 5.4 *
Definition:
get rid of things thought undesirable
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