expulse
C2Formal, Legal, Technical, Archaic
Definition
Meaning
To force someone to leave a place, organization, or country, often by official decree or authority.
To eject or drive out; to remove forcibly and definitively. Can also refer to the act of forcing out a substance (e.g., air from the lungs).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'expulse' is largely synonymous with 'expel', but it is significantly rarer and carries a more formal, often historical or legalistic tone. It implies a definitive, authoritative removal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally rare in both varieties. 'Expel' is overwhelmingly preferred in all contexts. 'Expulse' may be marginally more likely to be found in historical British legal texts, but this is not a strong distinction.
Connotations
Connotes a high degree of formality, finality, and often historical context. May sound archaic or deliberately stilted.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. Classified as a "rare" word in major corpora (BNC, COCA).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] expulses [Object] (from [Location])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. 'Expel' or 'remove' would be used instead.
Academic
May appear in historical, legal, or political science texts discussing old laws or treaties.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation. Sounds unnatural and archaic.
Technical
Can appear in medical contexts (e.g., 'expulse air') but 'expel' is far more common.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The 1701 Act enabled the Crown to expulse the Jesuits from the realm.
- The university senate voted to expulse the student for gross misconduct.
American English
- The treaty gave the president the power to expulse foreign agents.
- Ancient laws allowed a city to expulse anyone deemed a public nuisance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The government threatened to expulse the diplomats if espionage continued.
- Old guild rules could expulse a member for dishonesty.
- The edict authorised the local governor to summarily expulse any settlers on the disputed territory.
- Medieval charters often contained clauses to expulse individuals who violated the peace of the market.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EXPULSE sounds like a more forceful, PULSING version of 'expel'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORCE IS A PHYSICAL EJECTION (The authority acted as a physical force to push the person out).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'экспульсировать' (which is a direct calque and not standard Russian). The correct common translation is 'высылать', 'изгонять', 'выгонять'. 'Expel' is a much safer choice than 'expulse'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'expulse' in modern, informal contexts where 'expel', 'kick out', or 'throw out' is appropriate.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈɛkspʌls/ (stress on first syllable).
Practice
Quiz
Which word is the MOST appropriate and natural synonym for 'expulse' in a modern legal document?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'expulse' is a real verb entered in major dictionaries, but it is classified as rare, formal, and largely archaic. 'Expel' is the standard modern term.
There is no difference in meaning. The difference is entirely one of frequency and register. 'Expulse' is far rarer and sounds more formal, legalistic, or historical.
Generally, no. Unless you are deliberately aiming for an archaic or highly formal legal tone, you should always use 'expel'. Using 'expulse' in modern contexts will likely be perceived as an error or odd affectation.
The noun is 'expulsion'. There is no commonly used noun '*expulsion' derived directly from 'expulse'. 'Expulsion' is shared with 'expel'.