expulsive

[ ik-spuhl-siv ]

adjective

1. tending or serving to expel.

Other Words From

• nonex·pulsive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expulsive¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French expulsive (feminine) < Medieval Latin expulsīvus. See expulsion, -ive

Example Sentences

The "expulsive power of a new affection" is, after all, the mightiest agency in reform.

From Project Gutenberg

Elimination can only be secured by a proper expulsive effort.

From Project Gutenberg

Von Guericke, however, recognized it as such, and refers to it as what he calls "expulsive virtue."

From Project Gutenberg

The expulsive force of a new emotion had for the time driven out all temptation.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally, long passages in music demand that the expulsive power of the breathing apparatus be used to its limit.

From Project Gutenberg