exorcist

[ek-sawr-sist, -ser-]

noun

1. a person who practices exorcism.

2. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. a member of the second-ranking of the four minor orders.

   2. the order itself.

Word History and Origins

Origin of exorcist¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin exorcista < Greek exorkistḗs. See exorcism, -ist

Example Sentences

He also happens to be a deliverance minister – more commonly known as an exorcist.

From BBC

“The Exorcism” starts from an instantly compelling premise: On the set of a horror movie about an exorcist, demons lurk.

From New York Times

There are right-wing survivalists, celebrity exorcists, environmentalists and a handful of quasi-socialists.

From Seattle Times

Dr Joe Aldred, a Pentecostal bishop who works to bring together different Christian traditions, says: "The Church of England has exorcists in pretty much every diocese. The question is how it is done."

From BBC

Or they can be major, performed by a priest specifically appointed to the office of exorcist and upon someone determined to be suffering "genuine demonic possession."

From Salon

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