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

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

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Ghosts must always be confronted before they can be exorcised.

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“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.

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"We start in that world where we're shackled, and then we exorcise it," Taylor explains.

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They exorcised their rivalry demons by defeating the Trojans in the Big Ten tournament for their first conference tournament championship since 2006.

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Related Words

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