purge

Purging is the act of removing, cleansing, or eliminating something that is deemed undesirable or unnecessary. The term derives from Latin purgare, meaning to purify or cleanse. In general usage, purge can refer to physical cleaning, organizational cleanup, or the removal of items or records.

In medicine, a purge is a laxative or purgative that induces bowel movements or cleansing of the digestive tract. The noun is also used for the therapeutic effect itself. Historically, purgatives were prescribed within humoral medical theory, but modern practice reserves purgation for specific indications and under supervision.

In politics and history, a purge describes the removal of people from political power, administrative positions, or a party by force or coercion. Purges are often associated with authoritarian regimes and can involve arrests, dismissals, or forced resignations. They are sometimes used to consolidate control, suppress dissent, or reconfigure institutions.

In information technology and data management, purge refers to the permanent deletion of data or records to free storage, comply with retention policies, or remove obsolete information. Purge operations are intended to be irreversible and may bypass ordinary deletion. Effective purge practices require attention to legal and regulatory requirements, evidence preservation, and verification of completion.