Purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels.

synonyms: catharsis, katharsis.

Roget 952: atonement, reparation; compromise, composition; compensation etc. 30; quittance, quits; expiation, redemption, reclamation, conciliation, propitiation; indemnification, redress.    amends, apology, amende honorable^†, satisfaction; peace offering, sin offering, burnt offering; scapegoat, sacrifice.    penance, fasting, maceration, sackcloth and ashes, white sheet, shrift, flagellation, lustration^†; purgation, purgatory.    ... show more

A ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites.

synonym: purification.

Roget 652: cleanness, cleanliness etc. adj.; purity; cleaning etc. v.; purification, defecation etc. v.; purgation, lustration^†; detersion^†, abstersion^†; epuration^†, mundation^†; ablution, lavation^†, colature^†; disinfection etc. v.; drainage, sewerage.    lavatory, laundry, washhouse^†; washerwoman, laundress, dhobi^†, laundryman, washerman^†; scavenger, dustman^†, sweep; white wings brush [U.S.]; broom, besom^†, mop, rake, shovel, sieve, riddle, screen, filter; blotter.    napkin, cloth, maukin^†, malkin^†, handkerchief, towel, sudary^†; doyley^†, doily, duster, sponge, mop, swab.    cover, drugget^†.    wash, lotion, detergent, cathartic, purgative; purifier etc. v.; disinfectant; aperient^†; benzene, benzine benzol, benolin^†; bleaching powder, chloride of lime, dentifrice, deobstruent^†, laxative.    ... show more

The act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge.

synonyms: purge, purging.