What does banished mean?
"Banished" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "banish," meaning to force someone to leave a place — usually their country, homeland, or community — as an official punishment or by decree of those in power. Historically, banishment was a severe penalty: the exiled person lost not only their home but also their social ties, legal protection, and sense of identity, which is why it was sometimes regarded as a punishment harsher than death. The word also has a broader figurative use: feelings, thoughts, doubts, or even undesirable things can be said to be "banished" when they are deliberately driven out or dismissed. In this way, one might banish fear before a performance or banish clutter from a room. Because of its association with exile, decree, and deliberate removal, the word carries a formal, somewhat literary tone, appearing frequently in historical writing, fantasy literature, and dramatic narratives rather than casual conversation.
verb (past participle)The past participle and past tense of "banish": sent away, especially permanently, from one's country or home as an official punishment; or driven out or dismissed entirely, as from memory, thought, or a place.
- (of a person) formally expelled from a country, state, or community by authority, typically as punishment
- (of a thing or feeling) dismissed, driven away, or put out of mind or place — e.g. banishing doubt or banishing a bad habit
"The traitor was banished from the kingdom and never allowed to return."
"Napoleon was banished to the remote island of Saint Helena after his final defeat."
"She banished all doubt from her mind and stepped confidently onto the stage."
In medieval Europe, banishment was often considered a fate worse than death — losing your homeland meant losing your identity, your protection, and your very legal existence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of banished
"Banish" entered English in the late Middle Ages (around the 14th–15th century) through Old French "banir," meaning to proclaim or summon by public announcement — and by extension to outlaw or expel. The French term derives from the Germanic word "ban," referring to a formal proclamation or edict issued by authority, particularly one commanding obedience or imposing penalty. This same root gives English the word "ban" itself, and it underlies related terms such as "banishment." The concept reflects medieval legal practice, where being declared outside the law's protection effectively forced a person from the community.
Related word forms
How banished is actually used
"Banished" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "banish." It is more formal and literary than everyday alternatives like "sent away" or "kicked out," and often carries connotations of official decree or dramatic exile in historical, political, and literary contexts.
Easily confused with banished
"Vanished" means disappeared suddenly without explanation, while "banished" means deliberately sent away by someone with authority.