This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
exile
[ eg-zahyl, ek-sahyl ]
/ ˈɛg zaɪl, ˈɛk saɪl /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
verb (used with object), ex·iled, ex·il·ing.
to expel or banish (a person) from his or her country; expatriate.
to separate from country, home, etc.: Disagreements exiled him from his family.
OTHER WORDS FOR exile
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of exile
1250–1300; Middle English exil banishment <Latin ex(s)ilium, equivalent to exsul banished person + -ium-ium
OTHER WORDS FROM exile
ex·il·a·ble, adjectiveex·il·er, nounquasi-exiled, adjectiveun·ex·iled, adjectiveWords nearby exile
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use exile in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for exile (1 of 2)
exile
/ (ˈɛɡzaɪl, ˈɛksaɪl) /
noun
a prolonged, usually enforced absence from one's home or country; banishment
the expulsion of a person from his native land by official decree
a person banished or living away from his home or country; expatriate
verb
to expel from home or country, esp by official decree as a punishment; banish
Derived forms of exile
exilic (ɛɡˈzɪlɪk, ɛkˈsɪlɪk) or exilian, adjectiveWord Origin for exile
C13: from Latin exsilium banishment, from exsul banished person; perhaps related to Greek alasthai to wander
British Dictionary definitions for exile (2 of 2)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012