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Definition of banishment

banishment

/ˈbæn.ɪʃ.mənt/
ban · ish · ment
Plural:banishments
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banishment Lexical Profile

banishment Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The punishment of being forced to leave a country or place by official decree; the state of being exiled.

Example

"The ancient philosopher spent a decade in banishment on a remote island after criticizing the emperor."

2

The act of driving away, dismissing, or getting rid of something unwanted, such as a thought, feeling, or practice.

Example

"A quiet walk through the forest helped bring about the complete banishment of his everyday worries."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for banishment

• Nearby Words

bangui
bani river
banish
banishment
banister
banistered
banjax

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 16th century, formed from the verb 'banish' and the suffix '-ment'. 'Banish' entered Middle English via Old French 'baniss-' (the stem of 'banir', meaning to proclaim or outlaw), ultimately of Germanic origin and akin to the root of 'ban'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Banishment. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/banishment
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