Exorcise

Alternative forms

• exorcize

Origin

From Old French exorciser, from Late Latin exorcizāre, from Ancient Greek ἐξορκίζειν ("banish an evil spirit; bind by oath").

Full definition of exorcise

Verb

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

Derived terms

• exorcism
• exorcist

Usage notes

Unlike most verbs using the -ise/-ize suffix, exorcise is more commonly spelled with -s- even in American English.