exorcist

[ ek-sawr-sist, -ser- ]

noun

1. a person who practices exorcism.
2. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. a member of the second-ranking of the four minor orders.
   2. the order itself. Compare acolyte ( def 2 ), lector ( def 2 ), ostiary ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of exorcist¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin exorcista < Greek exorkistḗs. See exorcism, -ist

Example Sentences

He also happens to be a deliverance minister – more commonly known as an exorcist.

From BBC

“The Exorcism” starts from an instantly compelling premise: On the set of a horror movie about an exorcist, demons lurk.

From New York Times

There are right-wing survivalists, celebrity exorcists, environmentalists and a handful of quasi-socialists.

From Seattle Times

Dr Joe Aldred, a Pentecostal bishop who works to bring together different Christian traditions, says: "The Church of England has exorcists in pretty much every diocese. The question is how it is done."

From BBC

Jesus was an exorcist, as were the apostles.

From Salon

Related Words

• charmer
• genius
• virtuoso
• witch
• wizard