General Meaning:
* To make something clean or pure by removing dirt, impurities, or harmful substances. This can be applied to physical objects (like cleaning a room) or abstract concepts (like cleansing your soul).
Specific Meanings:
* Medical: To remove waste products or toxins from the body, as in a colon cleanse or a liver cleanse.
* Spiritual: To purify oneself from sin or negativity through prayer, meditation, or rituals.
* Dietary: To follow a specific diet for a short period to remove toxins or impurities from the body. This can be done through fasting or by eliminating certain foods.
* Environmental: To remove pollutants or contaminants from the environment, such as cleaning up an oil spill.
Examples:
* Physical: "I need to cleanse my kitchen after making that mess."
* Medical: "The doctor recommended a cleanse to help with my digestive issues."
* Spiritual: "Many people believe that meditation helps to cleanse the mind and spirit."
* Dietary: "She followed a juice cleanse for a week to detoxify her body."
* Environmental: "The government is working on a plan to cleanse the river of pollution."
The specific meaning of "cleanse" is often determined by the context in which it is used.