exorcise
verb
ex·or·cise
ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsīz 
-sər-
-sər-
variants
or less commonly exorcize
exorcised also exorcized; exorcising also exorcizing
1
a
: to expel (an evil spirit) by adjuration
b
: to get rid of (something troublesome, menacing, or oppressive)
2
: to free of an evil spirit
exorciser
noun
Synonyms
Examples of exorcise in a Sentence
The movie is about a priest who tries to exorcise demons from a young girl.
please exorcise that offensive word from your vocabulary
Recent Examples on the Web
The way to exorcise your guilt is to own up to your part and see if there’s a way to make amends.
—
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2024
In the book, the murder happens in Montana, a reflection of Maclean’s Aristotelian commitment to unity of place but perhaps also a way of exorcising guilt over inviting his brother to Chicago, of telling himself that Paul would have met the same fate anywhere.
—Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
Left needing to close with par to win, DeChambeau held his nerve to triumph and exorcise the demons of falling one stroke short of the PGA Championship to compatriot Xander Schauffele last month.
—Jack Bantock, CNN, 17 June 2024
Whether the comedian is observational or self-deprecating, filthy or family-friendly, impersonating their mother is often a recurring bit used to exorcise some complicated feelings.
—Brian Boone, Vulture, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for exorcise 
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2024
In the book, the murder happens in Montana, a reflection of Maclean’s Aristotelian commitment to unity of place but perhaps also a way of exorcising guilt over inviting his brother to Chicago, of telling himself that Paul would have met the same fate anywhere.
—Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024
Left needing to close with par to win, DeChambeau held his nerve to triumph and exorcise the demons of falling one stroke short of the PGA Championship to compatriot Xander Schauffele last month.
—Jack Bantock, CNN, 17 June 2024
Whether the comedian is observational or self-deprecating, filthy or family-friendly, impersonating their mother is often a recurring bit used to exorcise some complicated feelings.
—Brian Boone, Vulture, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for exorcise
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exorcise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Exorcise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exorcise. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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exorcise
verb
ex·or·cise
ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsīz
-sər-
exorcised; exorcising
: to drive (as an evil spirit) off by calling upon some holy name or by spells
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