IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
detoxify
verb/ˌdiːˈtɒksɪfaɪ/Band 8
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“detoxify” is a Band 8 verb that means to remove harmful substances from the body or a system. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
To remove harmful substances from the body or a system.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “The liver helps to detoxify the blood.”
- “Some diets claim to detoxify the body.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
cleansepurify
Antonyms
contaminatepoison
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
detoxify the bodydetox programme
Common phrases
detox the body
Related words
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Frequently asked questions
What does “detoxify” mean?
To remove harmful substances from the body or a system.
How do you use “detoxify” in a sentence?
For example: “The liver helps to detoxify the blood.”
What are some synonyms for “detoxify”?
Synonyms include cleanse, purify.
Is “detoxify” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as detoxify the body, detox programme help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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