What does exorciser mean?
An exorciser is a person who expels evil spirits or demons, typically by performing a formal religious rite such as prayer, invocation, or the recitation of sacred texts. The word functions as the direct agent noun of the verb 'to exorcise', meaning to drive out a supposed possessing force. In practice it is a rare term: English speakers almost always reach for 'exorcist', the form popularized by centuries of church tradition and cemented in popular culture by literature and film. When it does appear, 'exorciser' tends to occur in religious, historical, or folkloric contexts, describing clergy, shamans, or healers charged with cleansing people or places believed to be under demonic influence. The word carries a solemn, sometimes dramatic connotation, evoking rituals of confrontation between good and evil. For writers, it offers a slightly unusual alternative to 'exorcist', though readers may find its rarity distracting rather than distinctive.
nounA person who expels evil spirits or demons, especially by means of a religious ritual; an exorcist.
- A person who drives out evil spirits or demons, especially through ritual or prayer.
"The village elders summoned the exorciser to cleanse the haunted house."
"The bishop appointed a trained exorciser to attend to cases of suspected possession."
"In folklore, the exorciser would recite sacred verses until the spirit departed."
Standard plural, formed by adding -s.
"Medieval chronicles record exorcisers travelling from parish to parish."
While Hollywood gave us 'The Exorcist', English actually offers two words for the job — and the humbler 'exorciser' has been quietly doing its work in dictionaries for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exorciser
The word derives from the verb 'exorcise', which entered English in the early 17th century from French forms of Late Latin 'exorcizare', itself borrowed from Greek 'exorkizein' — literally 'to bind by oath', from 'ex-' (out) and 'horkos' (oath). The underlying image is of compelling a spirit to swear an oath compelling it to depart. The agent suffix '-er' was added in English to denote one who performs the act, alongside the older Latinate form 'exorcist'. Related English words sharing the oath-root include 'adjure', 'abjure', and 'conjure'.
Related word forms
How exorciser is actually used
'Exorciser' is a rare word; in modern usage 'exorcist' is overwhelmingly preferred. It carries solemn, often religious connotations.
Easily confused with exorciser
An exorcist is the standard, far more common term for someone who performs exorcisms; 'exorciser' is simply the agent noun formed directly from the verb 'exorcise' and is much rarer.