purge

To remove unwanted or harmful things from a place, object, or organization.

• We need to purge these old files.
• The process purges the water of impurities.
• They purged false information from the records.

How to use it: purge something of something (They tried to purge the department of corruption.); purge something from something (We purged outdated entries from the database.)

Similar words: clear, cleanse, rid

Common phrases: purge old files, purge something of something, purge unwanted data, purge a chamber

To force people out of an organization or public life, often because of their political views.

• The regime purged its opponents.
• Several officers were purged from the army.
• The new leader began purging party members who challenged him.

How to use it: purge someone from something (The leader purged his critics from the party.); purge something of someone (The regime purged the army of suspected opponents.)

Similar words: expel, oust, remove

Common phrases: purge political opponents, purge someone from something, purge the party

The forced removal of people from an organization or public life, often for political reasons.

• Many officials lost their jobs in the purge.
• The party carried out a purge of its critics.
• Political purges left the army without experienced leaders.

How to use it: a purge of someone/something (The dictator ordered a purge of senior officials.)

Similar words: expulsion, removal

Common phrases: political purge, party purge, purge of something

An action that removes unwanted or harmful things from a place, object, or organization.

• The database needs a purge.
• A purge of old files freed storage space.
• The department announced a purge of corrupt practices.

How to use it: a purge of something (We scheduled a purge of outdated records.)

Similar words: clearance, cleanup, cleansing

Common phrases: data purge, complete purge, purge of something, system purge