exorcise

Or ex·or·cize

[ek-sawr-sahyz, -ser-]

verb (used with object)

exorcised, exorcising 

1. to seek to expel (an evil spirit) by adjuration or religious or solemn ceremonies.

   to exorcise a demon.

2. to free (a person, place, etc.) of evil spirits or malignant influences.

Other Word Forms

• exorcisement noun
• exorciser noun
• unexorcised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exorcise¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin exorcizāre, from Greek exorkízein, equivalent to ex- “out of, from” ( ex- ³ + (h)orkízein “to cause (someone) to swear an oath”

Example Sentences

I needed to exorcise this thing so it could join the world!

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But if there were any chance of changing my mind and taking the plunge, watching “Welcome to Derry” has permanently exorcised any phantom longings.

Read more on Salon

"She exorcises herself through the use of song, which was really brilliant to do."

Read more on BBC

Ghosts must always be confronted before they can be exorcised.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“And Just Like That” hasn’t entirely exorcised that image, although Anthony has been updated to add something more to the mix than the bracing splash of tartness flavoring Charlotte’s simple syrup personality.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• drive out www.thesaurus.com