exorcise

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To drive out (an evil spirit) from a person, place or thing, especially by an incantation or prayer.

   The priest attempted to exorcise the evil spirit from the house.

2. 2
   verb

   To rid (a person, place or thing) of an evil spirit.

   They hired a specialist to exorcise the haunted object.

From Middle English exorcisen, exorzisen, from Medieval Latin exorcizō, from Ancient Greek ἐξορκίζω (exorkízō, “to banish an evil spirit; bind by oath”), from ἐξ (ex) + ὅρκος (hórkos). Compare Old French exorciser.

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