What does exile mean?
Exile refers both to the condition of living away from one's native country — usually involuntarily and often as punishment — and to the person enduring that condition. A government might send a dissident into exile; a writer might describe herself as an exile after fleeing a war. As a verb, exile means to banish someone from their homeland or habitual surroundings. The word carries strong emotional weight: it suggests loss, displacement, and longing for return, which is why it appears so often in political commentary, literature, and memoir. Related expressions include 'in exile,' 'self-imposed exile,' and 'exiled leader.' Though most commonly associated with national borders, exile can also describe removal from a familiar social or professional sphere. It remains a powerful term for describing the human cost of conflict, censorship, and authoritarian rule across history.
The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons; also, a person who lives in such a state.
"The king returned from exile to reclaim his throne."
Usually preceded by a preposition such as 'in' or 'from'.
To expel someone from their native country or habitual place of residence.
"The dictator exiled his rivals to remote provinces."
Standard English plural; used when referring to multiple people in exile.
"Many exiles longed to return home."
Napoleon's exile on the remote island of Saint Helena was so isolated that it took months for news of his death to reach Europe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exile
Exile comes from the Latin exsilium, meaning banishment, formed from ex- ('out of') plus the root of salire ('to leap'), suggesting a leaping or going out from one's home. The word entered English via Old French in the medieval period. Cognates appear in Romance languages such as French exil and Italian esilio.
How exile is actually used
Often carries connotations of political persecution or punishment, though it can be used neutrally (e.g., self-imposed exile). Formal register; common in journalism and historical writing.
Easily confused with exile
Exile is the state of being banished from one's homeland, while asylum is the protection granted by another country to someone fleeing persecution.