# exorcise

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈɛk.sɔː.saɪz/ · frequency rank #58,675

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

## Etymology
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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/exorcise