exorcism

[ ek-sawr-siz-uhm, -ser- ]

noun

1. the act or process of exorcising.
2. the ceremony or the formula used in exorcising:

   An elaborate exorcism was pronounced over the sick man.

Other Word Forms

• ex·or·cis·mal [ek-sawr-, siz, -m, uh, l, ‑ser], ex·or·ci·so·ry [ek, -sawr-, sahy, -z, uh, -ree, ‑ser], exor·cisti·cal exor·cistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exorcism¹

1350–1400; Middle English exorcisme (< Old French ) < Medieval Latin < Greek exorkismós administration of an oath. See exorcise, -ism

Example Sentences

The series also starred Collins as angel Castiel, who accompanies the Winchesters on their exorcisms.

From Los Angeles Times

He wrote the play, he said, as “an act of exorcism.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We occasionally deal with people who come along and say ‘help me, I’m possessed’ so they’re looking for an exorcism,” he said.

From BBC

The men were opposed to Mr Uddin’s practice of Ruqyah, a form of exorcism which is regarded by some as “black magic”, said Jason Beer KC, counsel to the inquiry.

From BBC

Similarly, religious wounds, or "church hurt" are exposed in Lee Daniels’ exorcism film "The Deliverance," albeit having a slapdash script.

From Salon

Related Words

• purification