cleansing
UK: ˈklenzɪŋ | US: ˈklenzɪŋ
n. the act of making something thoroughly clean or pure
adj. having the effect of purifying or removing impurities
The word "cleansing" combines the Old English root "clǣne" (meaning "free from dirt or impurity") with the suffix "-ing," which transforms verbs into nouns or adjectives. Originally, "clean" referred to physical purity, but over time, "cleansing" expanded to include metaphorical purification (e.g., spiritual or emotional cleansing). The suffix "-ing" is a productive morpheme in English, often used to denote actions or results (e.g., "washing," "healing").
The spa offers a deep facial cleansing treatment.
Spring is a time for renewal and cleansing.
She believes in the cleansing power of meditation.
The ritual involves cleansing the body with sacred herbs.
After the storm, the air felt fresh and cleansing.