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exorcise. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
exorcise, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
exorcise in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
exorcise you have here. The definition of the word
exorcise will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
exorcise, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Middle English exorcisen, exorzisen, from Medieval Latin exorcizō, from Ancient Greek ἐξορκίζω (exorkízō, “to banish an evil spirit; bind by oath”), from ἐξ (ex) + ὅρκος (hórkos). Compare Old French exorciser.
Pronunciation
Verb
exorcise (third-person singular simple present exorcises, present participle exorcising, simple past and past participle exorcised)
- (transitive) To drive out (an evil spirit) from a person, place or thing, especially by an incantation or prayer.
- (transitive) To rid (a person, place or thing) of an evil spirit.
Usage notes
Unlike most verbs using the -ise/-ize suffix, exorcise is more commonly spelled with -s- even in American English.
Derived terms
Translations
to drive out an evil spirit
French
Pronunciation
Verb
exorcise
- inflection of exorciser:
- first/third-person singular present indicative/subjunctive
- second-person singular imperative