Purging vs. Vomit — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 6, 2024
Purging involves expelling substances from the body to cleanse, often through induced vomiting or use of laxatives, while vomiting is the involuntary expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Difference Between Purging and Vomit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Purging is a broad term that can include various methods of expelling unwanted substances from the body, aiming for a sense of cleansing or weight control. It's often associated with eating disorders when it involves self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives. On the other hand, vomiting is specifically the body's reflex action to rid the stomach of toxic substances or due to illness, without the intention of cleansing or weight control.
While purging can be a deliberate action for reasons such as detoxification or within the context of an eating disorder, vomiting is an involuntary physiological response to irritation or infection of the stomach. Purging might be seen in various contexts, including medical procedures to prepare the body for surgery, whereas vomiting is typically a symptom of an underlying condition such as food poisoning, pregnancy, or a viral infection.
Purging, especially when self-induced for weight loss, can lead to serious health issues, including electrolyte imbalances and damage to the digestive system. Vomiting, while also potentially harmful if frequent, is a natural body mechanism to protect against the ingestion of harmful substances.
The methods and tools for purging, such as the use of emetics (substances that induce vomiting) or laxatives, contrast with the spontaneous nature of vomiting, which requires no external aids. Purging practices may also include fasting or excessive exercise, further distinguishing it from the singular act of vomiting.
The psychological implications of purging, particularly when related to body image issues, are significant and can lead to mental health disorders. Vomiting, unless it becomes a part of a pattern similar to purging behaviors, usually does not carry the same psychological implications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Deliberate expulsion of body contents for cleansing or weight control.
Involuntary expulsion of stomach contents due to illness or irritation.
Methods
May involve induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
Natural reflex action without external aids.
Intent
Often associated with a desire to cleanse or control weight.
Response to irritation, infection, or other immediate causes.
Health Implications
Can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and other health issues.
Can cause dehydration, but usually a symptom rather than a cause of illness.
Psychological Aspects
Often related to eating disorders and body image issues.
Generally not associated with psychological disorders unless recurrent.
Compare with Definitions
Purging
Deliberate act to expel unwanted substances.
Some people resort to purging after overeating during the holidays.
Vomit
Protective mechanism of the body.
Vomiting can protect the body by expelling toxic substances.
Purging
Associated with eating disorders.
Purging is a dangerous behavior often seen in individuals with bulimia nervosa.
Vomit
Does not usually involve deliberate action.
She started vomiting unexpectedly during the night.
Purging
Can involve various methods.
Besides vomiting, purging can involve the use of laxatives or excessive exercise.
Vomit
Involuntary expulsion of stomach contents.
The child started vomiting after eating spoiled food.
Purging
Aimed at weight control or cleansing.
He used purging as a misguided method of weight management.
Vomit
Symptom of underlying conditions.
Vomiting is a common symptom of gastroenteritis.
Purging
Can have serious health consequences.
Frequent purging can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Vomit
Can lead to dehydration if persistent.
Persistent vomiting required him to seek medical attention to avoid dehydration.
Purging
To clear (a container or space, for example) of something unclean or unwanted
Purge a water pipe of air.
Vomit
Eject matter from the stomach through the mouth
She used to vomit up her food
The sickly stench made him want to vomit
Purging
To remove or eliminate (unwanted physical matter)
Purge the air from a water pipe.
Vomit
Matter vomited from the stomach
The cell stank of vomit and urine
Purging
To rid (a person or thing) of something unwanted
"He had purged his brain of grandiose and debilitating dreams" (Tom Junod).
Vomit
An emetic.
Purging
To remove or eliminate (an unwanted element)
Attempts to purge indecent remarks from company email.
Vomit
To eject part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements.
Purging
(Law) To clear (a person) of a charge or conviction.
Vomit
To be discharged forcefully and abundantly; spew or gush
The dike burst, and the floodwaters vomited forth.
Purging
To rid (a nation or political party, for example) of people considered undesirable.
Vomit
To eject (contents of the stomach) through the mouth.
Purging
To get rid of (people considered undesirable).
Vomit
To eject or discharge in a gush; spew out
The volcano vomited lava and ash.
Purging
To cause evacuation of (the bowels).
Vomit
The act or an instance of ejecting matter from the stomach through the mouth.
Purging
To induce evacuation of the bowels in (an individual).
Vomit
Matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Purging
To clear (a storage device) of unwanted data.
Vomit
An emetic.
Purging
To delete (unwanted data) from a storage device.
Vomit
(intransitive) To regurgitate or eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth; puke.
Purging
(Medicine) To undergo or cause an emptying of the bowels.
Vomit
(transitive) To regurgitate and discharge (something swallowed); to spew.
Purging
To vomit or force oneself to vomit, especially as a symptom of an eating disorder.
Vomit
To eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit.
Purging
The act or process of purging
A purge of unwanted files.
Vomit
The regurgitated former contents of a stomach; vomitus.
Purging
Something that purges, especially a medicinal purgative.
Vomit
The act of regurgitating.
Purging
An instance of vomiting or of forcing oneself to vomit.
Vomit
The act of vomiting
Purging
Present participle of purge
Vomit
(obsolete) That which causes vomiting; an emetic.
Purging
The act or an instance of eliminating contamination: a purification, a cleansing, particularly:
Vomit
To eject the contents of the stomach by the mouth; to puke; to spew.
Purging
A removal of undesirable people.
Vomit
To throw up; to eject from the stomach through the mouth; to disgorge; to puke; to spew out; - often followed by up or out.
The fish . . . vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Purging
The cleansing of a device by flushing it with water, steam, or some other liquid or gas.
Vomit
Hence, to eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit; to throw forth; as, volcanoes vomit flame, stones, etc.
Like the sons of Vulcan, vomit smoke.
Purging
The removal of waste from the human body, particularly:
Vomit
Matter that is vomited; esp., matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Like vomit from his yawning entrails poured.
Purging
The removal of excess humors through bloodletting, induced vomitting, etc.
Vomit
That which excites vomiting; an emetic.
He gives your Hollander a vomit.
Purging
The removal of digested waste: defecation; defecation induced by laxatives.
Vomit
The matter ejected in vomiting
Purging
Vomiting; vomiting induced by purgatives.
Vomit
A medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
Purging
That which is purged: contamination, a contaminant; refuse; sin; etc.
Vomit
The reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
Purging
Synonym of purgation: the act or an instance of removing guilt or suspicion of a misdeed.
Vomit
Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;
After drinking too much, the students vomited
He purged continuously
The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night
Purging
That purges; cleansing.
Purging
The act of cleansing; excessive evacuations; especially, diarrhea.
Purging
An act of removing by cleansing; ridding of sediment or other undesired elements
Purging
The act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge
Purging
Serving to purge or rid of sin;
Purgatorial rites
Common Curiosities
How does vomiting protect the body?
It expels harmful substances ingested, acting as a protective mechanism.
What causes purging?
Purging can be caused by the desire to lose weight or cleanse the body, often associated with eating disorders.
Is vomiting always a sign of illness?
Vomiting can be due to illness, ingestion of toxic substances, or even pregnancy and is not always indicative of a disease.
Are there psychological effects of purging?
Yes, purging, especially when related to body image, can lead to psychological issues and eating disorders.
Can vomiting be induced safely?
Medical professionals may induce vomiting in certain poisoning cases, but it's risky and generally not recommended at home.
Are laxatives a form of purging?
Yes, the use of laxatives to control weight or cleanse the body is considered a form of purging.
How can one stop purging behaviors?
Treatment involves addressing the underlying eating disorder, often through therapy and medical support.
Can purging be a medical procedure?
Yes, in some medical contexts, purging is used to prepare the body for surgery or other procedures.
Is vomiting harmful?
Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration and damage to the esophagus and teeth, but occasional vomiting is generally not harmful.
Can purging affect mental health?
Yes, it can lead to or exacerbate mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
What are the long-term effects of purging?
They can include severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and damage to the digestive system.
Can anxiety cause vomiting?
Yes, severe anxiety or stress can lead to nausea and vomiting.
How does the body decide to vomit?
The brain triggers vomiting in response to toxins, irritation, or motion sickness signals.
Is it possible to recover from a purging disorder?
Yes, with appropriate treatment, individuals can recover from purging behaviors and eating disorders.
What is self-induced vomiting?
It's the act of intentionally making oneself vomit, often seen in eating disorders.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
