Purgative/ˈpɜːrɡətɪv/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Medical Context Used in medical scenarios often to describe treatments involving cleansing. The doctor said a purgative procedure might be necessary. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Literal Sometimes it's used metaphorically to suggest something is cleansing or purifying. The retreat had a purgative effect on her spirit. Pro Tip 3/3Serious Tone A formal term that carries a serious tone; not used casually. The treatment's purgative qualities are necessary for recovery.