noun
- Biochemistry. the metabolic process by which toxins are changed into less toxic or more readily excretable substances.
- the act of detoxifying.
- the state of being detoxified.
- a period of medical treatment, usually including counseling, during which a person is helped to overcome physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs.
1905, of substances, 1971 of persons who drink to excess; see detoxify + -ation.
n.
- The process of detoxifying.
- The state or condition of being detoxified.
- The metabolic process by which the toxic qualities of a poison or toxin are reduced by the body.
- A medically supervised treatment program for alcohol or drug addiction designed to purge the body of intoxicating or addictive substances and used as a first step in overcoming physiological or psychological addiction.