What does exorcise mean?
To exorcise is to drive out an evil spirit, demon, or other unwelcome presence, most often through an official religious ritual performed by an exorcist. The term belongs originally to the domain of religion and folklore, where exorcism has long played a role across many cultures and faiths. Over time it has acquired a powerful figurative sense: people now speak of exorcising old fears, painful memories, or lingering guilt, treating inner troubles as demons to be cast out. This figurative use gives the word a vivid, dramatic quality well suited to literature and journalism about personal reckoning or national catharsis. The word derives ultimately from the Greek 'exorkizein', meaning to administer an oath and thereby compel a spirit to depart. Careful writers distinguish it from 'exercise', its visual twin, which concerns physical activity and training rather than spiritual expulsion.
To drive out an evil spirit or demon from a person, place, or thing, especially through a religious rite.
"The bishop authorized him to exorcise the possessed woman."
Often used figuratively for dispelling fears or memories.
To free oneself from a persistent fear, anxiety, or painful memory.
"She wrote the novel to exorcise the trauma of her wartime years."
Figurative extension of the religious sense; common in literary and journalistic contexts.
Every 'exorcise' you write carries a 2,000-year-old Greek oath inside it — the word traces back to 'exorkizein', literally to make someone swear an oath.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exorcise
'Exorcise' entered English in the early 17th century from the French 'exorciser', tracing back through Late Latin 'exorcizare' to the Greek 'exorkizein', meaning to bind someone by oath — formed from 'ex-' (out) and 'horkos' (oath), since oaths were invoked to compel spirits to leave. Related forms such as 'exorcism' and 'exorcist' arrived in English around the same period.
Related word forms
How exorcise is actually used
'Exorcise' functions as both a literal religious term and, increasingly, a figurative one for confronting or dispelling psychological burdens. The spelling 'exorcize' is an accepted variant, more common in American usage. It should not be confused with 'exercise', despite the near-identical spelling.
Easily confused with exorcise
'Exercise' means physical activity or practice, while 'exorcise' means to expel evil spirits or banish unwanted feelings; the two differ by one letter.