1. to cleanse or wipe away; to remove dirt or impurities from a surface
Usage: formal or technical; archaic in everyday use

Examples

• The nurse used a sterile cloth to absterge the wound before applying the bandage.
• The cleaning solution was designed to absterge stubborn stains from the marble countertop.
• In medical practice, doctors absterge the skin with antiseptic before surgery.
• The detergent helped absterge the grease from the kitchen walls.
• Ancient texts describe rituals meant to absterge the body and spirit.