exorcise
Americanverb (used with object)
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to seek to expel (an evil spirit) by adjuration or religious or solemn ceremonies.
to exorcise a demon.
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to free (a person, place, etc.) of evil spirits or malignant influences.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exorcise
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin exorcizāre, from Greek exorkízein, equivalent to ex- “out of, from” ( see ex- 3 + (h)orkízein “to cause (someone) to swear an oath”
Explanation
To exorcise is to cast out a devil or evil spirit, using prayer and other religious tools. You're probably familiar with the name of the person who does this: an exorcist. Don't try to exorcise a demon yourself. Call an exorcist. One way to remember the word exorcise is that it sounds like "exercise," which means to work out or train your body or mind. Casting out devils is hard work, so be sure to exercise before you exorcise. A boxer doesn't box without exercising first. And an exorcist doesn't exorcise without getting ready first either. The devil is a tough opponent, so you'd better get warmed up before you try to exorcise him from that little girl.
Vocabulary lists containing exorcise
Power Prefix: ex-
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Bless Me, Ultima
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Commonly Confused Words, List 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The modern West tried to exorcise these demons.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026
Unai Emery returns to Paris St-Germain to exorcise the personal demons of the so-called "La Remontada" while providing the X-factor in Aston Villa's attempt to reach a Champions League semi-final.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2025
With a first-round matchup against the Golden Knights or Kings, Demers said “Edmonton just needs to exorcise those demons.”
From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2024
As durability has become less of a concern — Leonard has played in 30 and George 32 of the team’s 34 games — the Clippers have shown an ability to exorcise other past demons.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2024
From the austerity and tranquility of her medieval world, the penetrating gaze of this legendary Sybil of a holy nun would exorcise the horrors which materialize before our eves in the name of television.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
