exorcise

See also: exorcisé

English

Alternative forms

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

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈɛk.sɔː.saɪz/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈɛk.sɔɹˌsaɪz/, /ˈɛk.sɚˌsaɪz/

Verb

exorcise (third-person singular simple present exorcises, present participle exorcising, simple past and past participle exorcised)

  1. (transitive) To drive out (an evil spirit) from a person, place or thing, especially by an incantation or prayer.
  2. (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

French

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ɛɡ.zɔʁ.siz/

Verb

exorcise

  1. inflection of exorciser:
    1. first/third-person singular present indicative/subjunctive
    2. second-person singular imperative
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