All 3 Uses of
purge
in
Fever, 1793
- She needs to purge the disease still in her stomach and bowels.†
p. 72.6 *purge = get rid of
- You'll hear folks say that Dr. Rush is a hero for saving folks with his purges and blood letting.†
p. 103.2purges = eliminates (gets rid of)
- She dosed the boys regularly and gently to purge the putrid bile from their bodies, but it seemed to have little effect.†
p. 204.6purge = get rid of
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