exorcism

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

/ ˈɛk sɔrˌsɪz əm, -sər- /

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

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

ex·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

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