exorcise

or ex·or·cize

[ ek-sawr-sahyz, -ser- ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·or·cised, ex·or·cis·ing.

1. to seek to expel (an evil spirit) by adjuration or religious or solemn ceremonies:

   to exorcise a demon.

2. to free (a person, place, etc.) of evil spirits or malignant influences.

Other Words From

• exor·cisement noun
• exor·ciser noun
• un·exor·cised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exorcise¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin exorcizāre, from Greek exorkízein, equivalent to ex- “out of, from” ( ex- ³ + (h)orkízein “to cause (someone) to swear an oath”

Example Sentences

To exorcise the ghosts of Paris, they must wait until 2027.

From BBC

The Panthers exorcised some demons with their win last Sunday after making a quarterback change.

From Los Angeles Times

The first stop was qualification, where Jordan exorcised her Tokyo demons by hitting all four of her routines.

From Los Angeles Times

Three years wiser with two seasons of college competition steeling her nerves, Chiles put together a stellar qualification Sunday to exorcise her Olympic demons.

From Los Angeles Times

The demons left behind by abuse need exorcising.

From New York Times

Related Words

• drive out