ˌpjʊəɹɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ɹəˈfaɪnmənt the act of purging of sin or guilt; moral or spiritual cleansing purification through repentance a ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites the act of cleaning by getting rid of impurities the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)