expel

[ ik-spel ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·pelled, ex·pel·ling.

1. to drive or force out or away; discharge or eject:

   to expel air from the lungs; to expel an invader from a country.

2. to cut off from membership or relations:

   to expel a student from a college.

   Synonyms: excommunicate, exile, dismiss, oust

expel

/ ˌɛkspɛˈliː; ɪkˈspɛl /

verb

1. to eject or drive out with force
2. to deprive of participation in or membership of a school, club, etc

Derived Forms

• expellee, noun
• exˈpeller, noun
• exˈpellable, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·pel·la·ble adjective
• re·ex·pel verb (used with object) reexpelled reexpelling
• un·ex·pel·la·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expel¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English expellen, from Latin expellere “to drive out, drive away,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + pellere “to push, drive”

Word History and Origins

Origin of expel¹

C14: from Latin expellere to drive out, from pellere to thrust, drive

Example Sentences

A council leader has called on Nigel Farage to expel one of his Reform UK MPs over their conviction for assaulting a former girlfriend.

From BBC

Dr Hellyer suggested that it could form the basis of plan to expel Palestinians from the area permanently.

From BBC

Media fragmentation "means there's not enough cultural unification to ever really expel anyone from the discourse."

From Salon

If Trump follows through on his promises to impose massive tariffs and expel millions of undocumented migrants, inflation will soar.

From Salon

Before Gaetz's resignation was announced, he said, the House was prepared to expel him just as they did former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., last year.

From Salon

Related Words

• ban
• banish
• bar
• dismiss
• displace
• eject
• evict
• exile
• oust