verb

exorcise

EHK-saw-syz

Exorcise (verb) means to drive out an evil spirit from a person or place, usually through ritual or prayer. Example: “The priest was called to exorcise the old house.”

verb

To drive out an evil spirit from a person or place, usually through ritual or prayer.

"The priest was called to exorcise the old house."

To get rid of something troubling, like a painful memory, once and for all.

"Writing the memoir helped her exorcise the ghosts of her childhood."

How to use exorcise

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo force out an evil spirit, or figuratively to finally get rid of something painful from the past.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "exercise" (physical activity) — they sound similar but are unrelated.

Easily confused with

exercise →

Common pairings

exorcise a demon exorcise the ghosts of the past

Word forms

exorcised past tense, exorcises singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The priest was called to _____ the old house.

Etymology

From Greek exorkizein, "to bind by oath" or "banish a spirit," from ex- ("out") plus horkos ("oath").

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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exorcize

Rhymes for exorcise

rise wise vise Lise arise noise raise anise guise poise Elise Boise

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Frequently asked questions

What does “exorcise” mean?

The word “exorcise” means to drive out an evil spirit from a person or place, usually through ritual or prayer. In plain terms, to force out an evil spirit, or figuratively to finally get rid of something painful from the past.

How do you pronounce “exorcise”?

“Exorcise” is pronounced EHK-saw-syz (/ˈɛk.sɔɹˌsaɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “exorcise” in a sentence?

Here is “exorcise” used in a sentence: “The priest was called to exorcise the old house.”

What part of speech is “exorcise”?

“Exorcise” is a verb.

Where does the word “exorcise” come from?

The word “exorcise” comes from Greek. From Greek exorkizein, "to bind by oath" or "banish a spirit," from ex- ("out") plus horkos ("oath").

How many meanings does “exorcise” have?

“Exorcise” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to drive out an evil spirit from a person or place, usually through ritual or prayer.