oust

American  

[oust] / aʊst /

verb (used with object)

1. to expel or remove from a place or position occupied.

   The bouncer ousted the drunk;

   to oust the prime minister in the next election.

   Synonyms:

   dislodge, evict, banish, eject

2. Law. to eject or evict; dispossess.

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oust British  

/ aʊst /

verb

1. to force out of a position or place; supplant or expel

2. property law to deprive (a person) of the possession of land

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Etymology

Origin of oust

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French ouster “to remove,” Old French oster, from Latin obstāre “to stand in the way, oppose” ( ob- ob- + stāre “to stand ”)

Example Sentences

And during oral arguments in January, both the liberal and conservative flanks of the court expressed doubts in the government’s claim that Trump could oust Cook on the basis of an unproven allegation.

From Slate • Mar. 19, 2026

The decision to oust Daniel Levy - hardly a fan favourite - only to replace him with a collection of 'suits' with no footballing IQ set the ball rolling.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

The Nepal election follows close on the heels of a vote in Bangladesh, which saw a student-led uprising oust Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

A motion to oust Jeri, 39, received the backing of dozens of lawmakers on claims of influence peddling, the latest of a series of impeachment bids against him.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

I thanked the assembled nations for exerting pressure on South Africa, citing in particular Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanganyika, who spearheaded the successful drive to oust South Africa from the British Commonwealth.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• depose
• dethrone
• dislodge
• drive out
• eject
• evict
• fire
• force out
• let go
• lose
• remove
• sack
• topple
• unseat