PURGATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does purgation mean? 

• PURGATION (noun)
  The noun PURGATION has 3 senses:

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

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

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

  Familiarity information: PURGATION used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PURGATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

catharsis; katharsis; purgation

Hypernyms ("purgation" is a kind of...):

purge; purging (an act of removing by cleansing; ridding of sediment or other undesired elements)

Derivation:

purge (excrete or evacuate (someone's bowels or body))

Sense 2

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

purgation; purification

Hypernyms ("purgation" is a kind of...):

ceremony (the proper or conventional behavior on some solemn occasion)

Derivation:

purge (make pure or free from sin or guilt)

Sense 3

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

purgation; purge; purging

Hypernyms ("purgation" is a kind of...):

clearing (the act of freeing from suspicion)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "purgation"):

purification (the act of purging of sin or guilt; moral or spiritual cleansing)

Derivation:

purge (clear of a charge)