evict

[ ih-vikt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to expel (a person, especially a tenant) from land, a building, etc., by legal process, as for nonpayment of rent.

   Synonyms: dislodge, dispossess, remove, eject

2. to throw or force out, as from a place, organization, or position:

   He was evicted from office by a populist revolution.

3. to recover (property, titles, etc.) by virtue of superior legal title.

evict

/ ɪˈvɪkt /

verb

1. to expel (a tenant) from property by process of law; turn out
2. to recover (property or the title to property) by judicial process or by virtue of a superior title

Derived Forms

• eˈviction, noun
• eˌvicˈtee, noun
• eˈvictor, noun

Other Words From

• e·vic·tion noun
• e·vic·tor noun
• re·e·vict verb (used with object)
• un·e·vict·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of evict¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English evicten, from Late Latin ēvictus “having recovered one's property by law,” Latin: past participle of ēvincere “to overcome, conquer, evince,” equivalent to ē- “from, out of; thoroughly” + vic- (past participle stem of vincere “to conquer”) + -tus past participle suffix; evince, e- ¹, victor

Word History and Origins

Origin of evict¹

C15: from Late Latin ēvincere, from Latin: to vanquish utterly, from vincere to conquer

Example Sentences

As JNF forestry workers began laying the groundwork for a new forest in August 2021, Israeli police helped clear the way by evicting people from their homes, which they then demolished.

From Salon

Multiple government agencies displaced and evicted Section 14 residents over at least five major abatement campaigns between 1936 and 1965, with the city’s direct involvement beginning in 1948, according to the historical study.

From Los Angeles Times

The decision comes one day after the council voted to support ending a rule that allows for renters to be evicted when landlords substantially remodel their buildings.

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted in support of eliminating a rule that allows renters to be evicted when landlords remodel their buildings.

From Los Angeles Times

Hoover decided early in July to have the marchers evicted and placed the responsibility in the hands of the Army chief of staff, Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chase
• dislodge
• dismiss
• dispossess
• eject
• expel
• force out
• oust
• remove