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Definition of exorcism

exorcism

/ˈɛk.sɔːr.sɪz.əm/
ex · or · cism
Plural:exorcisms
•
Adjective:exorcismal
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exorcism Lexical Profile

exorcism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The religious or spiritual practice of evicting demons, jinns, or other malevolent spiritual entities from a person or an area that is believed to be possessed.

Example

"Anthropologists documented the traditional rites of exorcism still practiced in remote rural communities."

2

The act or process of freeing someone or something from a troubling memory, influence, or emotional burden.

Example

"Writing the memoir served as a personal exorcism of the painful memories from his youth."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

exorbitant
exorbitantly
exorcise
exorcism
exorcist
exoskeleton
exotic

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin exorcismus, from Ancient Greek exorkismos ('administration of an oath'), derived from exorkizein ('to bind by oath, to banish an evil spirit'), from ex- ('out') and horkos ('oath').

Cite this Entry

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