exorcize
C1Formal, Literary, Religious
Definition
Meaning
To drive out an evil spirit, demon, or other malevolent supernatural force from a person, place, or object through a religious or ritualistic ceremony.
To rid a person, place, or situation of something perceived as negative, troubling, or persistent, such as a bad memory, a harmful influence, or a persistent problem, often using force or determined effort.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb carries strong connotations of ritual, purification, and forceful expulsion of an unwanted, invasive presence. It implies the target entity is not merely removed but is actively and ceremonially cast out.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English overwhelmingly prefers the spelling 'exorcise'. American English accepts both 'exorcize' and 'exorcise', but 'exorcise' is also more common. 'Exorcize' is a less frequent spelling variant.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. The spelling difference does not affect meaning or connotation.
Frequency
The word is low-frequency in general use. The '-ise' spelling is significantly more frequent globally, including in the US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] exorcized [Object: spirit/demon/place/person][Subject] exorcized [Object: memory/fear] from [Indirect Object: person/mind]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to exorcize one's ghosts (to confront and overcome past traumas)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'The new CEO was brought in to exorcize the culture of complacency.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, history, and literary analysis to describe ritual practices or metaphorical processes.
Everyday
Used literally in discussions of horror films or religious events. Used metaphorically for overcoming persistent personal issues.
Technical
Specific term in theology, demonology, and paranormal investigation for a formal rite of expulsion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The priest was called to exorcise the haunted vicarage.
- She wrote the memoir to exorcise the demons of her childhood.
American English
- The film depicts a priest attempting to exorcize a demon from a young girl.
- He needed to exorcize the guilt that had plagued him for years.
adverb
British English
- The spirit was exorcised successfully.
- The room was exorcistically cleansed.
American English
- The demon was exorcized completely.
- The procedure was performed exorcistically.
adjective
British English
- The exorcism rite was long and arduous.
- He sought an exorcistic solution to his nightmares.
American English
- The exorcism ritual followed a strict protocol.
- They explored exorcistic practices from different cultures.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the story, a priest comes to exorcize the ghost from the old castle.
- She listened to happy music to exorcize her sad feelings.
- The ancient ritual was performed to exorcize the malevolent spirit believed to be causing the illness.
- After the scandal, the company hired a consultant to exorcize its corrupt practices.
- The playwright uses dark comedy to exorcize the national traumas of that era.
- His journey was an attempt to exorcize the lingering sense of failure that had possessed him since his youth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an EX-ORC who SIZes things up and throws them out. The EX-ORC-IZE = a former monster (orc) who now drives out other monsters.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGATIVE INFLUENCE IS A POSSESSING SPIRIT / PROBLEM-SOLVING IS A RITUAL OF PURIFICATION
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'экзорцировать' (a rare, direct borrowing). The more common Russian equivalent is 'изгонять (злого) духа' or 'совершать экзорцизм'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'exercise'. Incorrect spelling 'exorcise' (which is actually the standard UK form). Using it for simple removal without the connotation of a malevolent, invasive force.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'exorcize' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are accepted, but 'exorcise' is the standard spelling in British English and is more common in American English. 'Exorcize' is a less frequent variant, primarily American.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically. For example, 'exorcize a bad memory' or 'exorcize a bad habit' means to get rid of it completely, often with effort, as if it were a possessing force.
The noun form is 'exorcism'. The person who performs it is an 'exorcist'.
While similar, 'exorcize' specifically implies driving out an invasive, external, often personified force (literal or metaphorical). 'Purge' has a broader sense of removing unwanted elements, often through a cleansing process, and can imply internal cleansing (e.g., purging emotions) or removal of people from a group.