exorcize

/ ˈɛksɔːˌsaɪz /

verb

1. tr to expel or attempt to expel (one or more evil spirits) from (a person or place believed to be possessed or haunted), by prayers, adjurations, and religious rites

Derived Forms

• ˈexorˌcizer, noun
• ˈexorcism, noun
• ˈexorcist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exorcize¹

C15: from Late Latin exorcizāre, from Greek exorkizein, from ex- ¹+ horkizein to adjure

Example Sentences

Only then can the right potion be discovered to exorcize the ghost of Romney for good.

From The Daily Beast

"You may exorcize the devils first," the Colonel grimly remarked to the priest, wiping the blood off his sleeves.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the fifth time to-day that the procession goes its round, that the reliquary is borne on high, to exorcize the calamity.

From Project Gutenberg

A fear was upon Setne because of Se-Osiris, who answered not, and then he pronounced words that exorcize the ghosts of the dead.

From Project Gutenberg