banish
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for banish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To officially force someone to leave a place, usually as punishment, and forbid their return.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To officially force someone to leave a place, usually as punishment, and forbid their return.
“The king banished the traitor from the kingdom forever.”
Opposites
How to use banish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
banish someone from
banish all doubt
banished into exile
Etymology
From Old French banir, "to proclaim or outlaw," rooted in the same Germanic word behind ban — to banish someone was originally to publicly declare them an outlaw.
Full origin of banish →Frequently asked questions
What does “banish” mean?
The word “banish” means to officially force someone to leave a place, usually as punishment, and forbid their return. In plain terms, to send someone away permanently, or to force an unwanted thought out of your mind.
How do you pronounce “banish”?
“Banish” is pronounced BA-nihsh (/ˈbænɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “banish” in a sentence?
Here is “banish” used in a sentence: “The king banished the traitor from the kingdom forever.”
What part of speech is “banish”?
“Banish” is a verb.
Where does the word “banish” come from?
The word “banish” comes from Old French. From Old French banir, "to proclaim or outlaw," rooted in the same Germanic word behind ban — to banish someone was originally to publicly declare them an outlaw.
How many meanings does “banish” have?
“Banish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially force someone to leave a place, usually as punishment, and forbid their return.
