evict

American  

[ih-vikt] / ɪˈvɪkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to expel (a person, especially a tenant) from land, a building, etc., by legal process, as for nonpayment of rent.

   Synonyms:

   dislodge, dispossess, remove, eject

2. to throw or force out, as from a place, organization, or position.

   He was evicted from office by a populist revolution.

3. to recover (property, titles, etc.) by virtue of superior legal title.

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evict British  

/ ɪˈvɪkt /

verb

1. to expel (a tenant) from property by process of law; turn out

2. to recover (property or the title to property) by judicial process or by virtue of a superior title

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Other Word Forms

• evictee noun
• eviction noun
• evictor noun
• reevict verb (used with object)
• unevicted adjective

Etymology

Origin of evict

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English evicten, from Late Latin ēvictus “having recovered one's property by law,” Latin: past participle of ēvincere “to overcome, conquer, evince,” equivalent to ē- “from, out of; thoroughly” + vic- (past participle stem of vincere “to conquer”) + -tus past participle suffix; evince, e- ¹, victor

Example Sentences

Britain evicted thousands of people, who have since mounted legal challenges for compensation.

From Barron's

Shvo, in turn, denied the allegations, and has sought to evict Core for allegedly failing to pay rent.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There are no plans or discussions about evicting IDEPSCA,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

It had felt like one long snow day, and—best yet—his mom had said that the landlords weren’t allowed to evict anyone, so they wouldn’t have to move.

From Literature

Renters can be charged excessive fees or evicted, according to a 2025 Pew Charitable Trusts report.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• chase
• dislodge
• dismiss
• dispossess
• eject
• expel
• force out
• oust
• remove