Definition

To remove an evil spirit from a person or place, often through rituals or prayers.

Example

The priest was called to exorcise the haunted house.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that haunted house on Maple Street?

Yeah, I heard some people tried to exorcise it last week!

Really? I wonder what happened during the whole process.

I think they said it was pretty intense, but they felt a lot better afterwards.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exorcise → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "cīrare" (meaning to bind or to take an oath). The word describes the act of driving out or binding out an evil spirit or influence.

Memory Tip

Think of 'driving out' ('ex-') something that is 'bound' ('cīrare') — that's why exorcise means to remove an evil spirit.

Visually Confused Words