verb
To remove harmful or unwanted substances from something, especially water or air, so it becomes clean or safe.
This filter purifies the water before we drink it.
Common phrases & grammar
purify water · purify the air
American English
How to pronounce purify
verbB2
pyeruhfai
/pʰjɚ.əˌfaɪ/
3 syllables.
To remove harmful or unwanted substances from something, especially water or air, so it becomes clean or safe.
What to listen for
Purify is usually pronounced /ˈpʰjɚ.əˌfaɪ/. Some speakers also use /ˈpʰjɔ.ɹəˌfaɪ/ or /ˈpʰjʊ.ɹəˌfaɪ/.
Usual pronunciation/ˈpʰjɚ.əˌfaɪ/
Accepted alternate pronunciation/ˈpʰjɔ.ɹəˌfaɪ/
Accepted alternate pronunciation/ˈpʰjʊ.ɹəˌfaɪ/
Meanings & examples
Related words & forms
The y changes to i in purifies and purified, but not in purifying.