exorcism

[ ek-sawr-siz-uh m, -ser- ]

/ ˈɛk sɔrˌsɪz əm, -sər- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR exorcism ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act or process of exorcising.

the ceremony or the formula used in exorcising: An elaborate exorcism was pronounced over the sick man.

Nearby words

Origin of exorcism

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

Related formsex·or·cis·mal

[ek-sawr-siz-muh l, ‐ser] /ˌɛk sɔrˈsɪz məl, ‐sər/, ex·or·ci·so·ry

[ek-sawr-sahy-zuh-ree, ‐ser] /ˈɛk sɔrˈsaɪ zə ri, ‐sər/, ex·or·cis·ti·cal, ex·or·cis·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for exorcism

The music sometimes sounding like the exorcism of a multitude of demons, each one of whom was mightily resisting his expulsion.
The Stacks: John Coltrane’s Mighty Musical Quest|Nat Hentoff|October 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The cost of a one-hour exorcism session: a $295 “suggested donation.”
My $295 Skype Exorcism|Scott Bixby|February 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The rite of exorcism is not quite as sensational as movies and legend might have one believe.
Vatican and Pope Francis Seek New Demon Exorcists|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Exorcists need to be certified to eliminate the practice of exorcism by untrained novices,” Taraborelli says.
Vatican and Pope Francis Seek New Demon Exorcists|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST

For her other performance, she also belted “Wrecking Ball” with all the gusto of a young Linda Blair having an exorcism.
Miley Cyrus Twerks Out a Stellar ‘Saturday Night Live’ Hosting Stint|Kevin Fallon|October 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Little is new in the possession and exorcism: for the most part they are a repetition of those of Aix and Loudun.
The Superstitions of Witchcraft|Howard Williams
They saw figures, heard crashes, and the divine did a little Anglican exorcism.
Cock Lane and Common-Sense|Andrew Lang
In The Roman Ritual, there is an exorcism for evil spirits and a ceremony for the succour of the sick (cura infirmorum).
Visions and Beliefs in the West of Ireland, First Series|Lady Gregory
Whether or no it was the result of the exorcism, there is no doubt that he definitely went away.
Tremendous Trifles|G. K. Chesterton
The vicar shall come here at once, and I'll get him to hold a service of exorcism.
Austin and His Friends|Frederic H. Balfour

Word Origin and History for exorcism

exorcism

early 15c., "a calling up or driving out of evil spirits," from Late Latin exorcismus, from Greek exorkismos, from exorkizein "exorcize, bind by oath," from ex "out of" (see ex-) + horkizein "cause to swear," from horkos "oath." Earlier in the same sense was exorcization (late 14c.).

exorcism

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of exorcism

Examples from the Web for exorcism

exorcism