Third-person singular present of 'cleanse'; removes dirt, guilt, or unwanted elements, often with spiritual or emotional connotation.
From Old English 'clǽnsian' (to make clean), related to 'clean.' The verb 'cleanse' traditionally carried stronger connotations of spiritual or moral purification than simple 'clean.'
Religious traditions use 'cleanse' ritually—from Jewish ritual baths to Islamic ablution to Christian baptism—showing how 'cleanses' isn't just about dirt but about transforming identity and status!
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