oust
C1Formal to neutral. Common in news, politics, business, and formal writing.
Definition
Meaning
To remove someone from a position of power, office, or place, typically in a forceful or sudden way.
To replace or supersede something or someone; to expel or drive out.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a forced removal, often after a struggle or contest. Can carry a negative connotation of unfairness or illegitimacy from the perspective of the one removed, but not necessarily from a neutral standpoint. Often used in passive voice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of forceful removal.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English political and corporate journalism, but commonly used in both variants.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
oust [Person/Group] (as [Role])oust [Person/Group] from [Position/Place]be ousted (by [Person/Group])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] ousted in a palace coup”
- “a boardroom ousting”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The shareholders voted to oust the CEO after the scandal.
Academic
The theory was eventually ousted by a more robust paradigm.
Everyday
The new model quickly ousted the older one in popularity.
Technical
In ecology, an invasive species can oust native flora.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The rebels sought to oust the colonial governor.
- The new software could oust the current industry standard.
American English
- The committee moved to oust the chairperson for misconduct.
- Streaming services have largely ousted physical media.
adjective
British English
- The ousted leader gave a defiant speech.
- He returned to his ousted position after a recount.
American English
- The ousted board members filed a lawsuit.
- She wrote a memoir about her time as the ousted CEO.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The team captain was ousted after losing the important match.
- The new phone design might oust the old one.
- Shareholders successfully ousted the founder from the board of directors.
- The revolutionary party was ousted in a violent military coup.
- The incumbent was ousted in a stunning electoral upset, losing by a significant margin.
- Decades of established practice were ousted almost overnight by the groundbreaking discovery.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a loud, forceful 'OUCH!' when someone is suddenly OUSTed from their seat.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS/SPORT IS WAR (ousting is a battle for position), CHANGE IS REPLACEMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'oust' (вытеснить силой) и 'adjust' (настраивать, регулировать). 'Oust' не означает просто 'уволить' (fire) — это более драматичное смещение с позиции власти.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: They ousted him to quit. Correct: They ousted him, forcing him to quit. | Incorrect: He was ousted as the president. (Awkward) Correct: He was ousted from the presidency. / He was ousted as president.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'oust' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. It describes a forceful removal, which can be seen as positive (ousting a corrupt official) or negative (ousting a popular leader) depending on perspective.
'Oust' emphasizes the forced removal of the existing person/thing, often involving struggle. 'Replace' is more neutral, simply indicating one thing takes the place of another.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically. For example, 'Digital cameras ousted film cameras' or 'This idea ousted the old theory.'
The most common noun is 'ouster' (e.g., 'the ouster of the director'). 'Ousting' is also used as a gerund/noun (e.g., 'His ousting was controversial').