expel

[ik-spel]

verb (used with object)

expelled, expelling 

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

Other Word Forms

• expellable adjective
• reexpel verb (used with object)
• unexpellable adjective
• expellee noun
• expeller noun

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

The former cabinet post holder claimed he was expelled over screenshots of messages in a party branch WhatsApp chat criticising a Kent leadership figure.

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"This decision to expel WFP's country director and emergency coordinator comes at a pivotal time," it said.

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The border between the two neighbours has been closed for more than two weeks, with only Afghans expelled from Pakistan allowed to cross.

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Linden Kemkaran was speaking after five of her colleagues were expelled for bringing the party into disrepute.

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Two suspended Reform UK county councillors have been expelled from the party for bringing it into "disrepute".

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Related Words

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