exorcism

[ek-sawr-siz-uhm, -ser-]

noun

1. the act or process of exorcising.

2. the ceremony or the formula used in exorcising.

   An elaborate exorcism was pronounced over the sick man.

Other Word Forms

• exorcismal adjective
• exorcisory adjective
• exorcistical adjective
• exorcistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exorcism¹

1350–1400; Middle English exorcisme (< Old French ) < Medieval Latin < Greek exorkismós administration of an oath. See exorcise, -ism

Example Sentences

The Christian right’s obsession with demons, exorcisms and Satan presents itself as deeply rooted in history.

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But critics have lavished praise on the record, calling it a "jaw-dropping" and "brutal" act of "personal exorcism", while praising Allen's gift for melody, on songs that span flamenco, bossa nova, and "infectious pop".

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The audience was quick to supply political reasons that led to Masli staging an exorcism of America’s ruthless economic system.

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In the “Exorcist” maze, for instance, that means witnessing a full exorcism, complete with special effects that will have walls give way to demonic specters.

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If his words literally refer to exorcism’s particularities, they subtextually wrestle with faith as a notion, and trickle into broader political life, too.

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Related Words

• purification