Definition

A formal punishment by a church that removes a person's membership and rights within that church.

Example

After the scandal, the priest faced excommunication from the church.

Conversation

Did you hear about the guy who faced excommunication from the church?

I did! It seems like such a drastic step to take.

Yeah, I wonder what he did to get into that kind of trouble.

It must have been serious; I can't imagine being cut off like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Excommunication → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "communicare" (meaning to share or to make common). The word refers to the act of excluding someone from participation in the community, particularly in a religious context.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'excluded' ('ex-') from the 'community' ('communicare') — that's why excommunication means being cast out from a group.

Visually Confused Words