What does exorcist mean?
An exorcist is a person who expels demons or evil spirits from people, places, or objects, usually through solemn religious rituals such as prayer, adjuration, and ceremonial commands. The term is most closely associated with Christian tradition — the Roman Catholic Church, for instance, officially appoints exorcists in certain dioceses — but analogous figures appear in many cultures and faiths under other names. Beyond its literal religious sense, the word can be used figuratively to describe anyone who banishes something troubling or persistent, as when a therapist is called an exorcist of old fears. Because of its dramatic associations, 'exorcist' is a staple of horror literature and cinema, where it evokes intense confrontation between good and evil. Its enduring cultural presence makes it a vivid word for describing both literal spiritual deliverance and metaphorical acts of cleansing or removal.
nounA person, typically a priest or religious practitioner, who drives out evil spirits or demons from a person or place, especially through ritual prayer and ceremony.
- A person who expels evil spirits or demons from a person, place, or thing, especially through religious rites.
- Figuratively: someone who removes or banishes something unwanted, distressing, or lingering (used metaphorically).
"The village elders sent for an exorcist after the family reported strange disturbances in the house."
"The diocese appointed a new exorcist to handle cases that could not be explained medically."
"In his memoir, he describes therapy as the exorcist that finally drove out the ghosts of his childhood."
Standard regular plural. Commonly used when referring to members of an order, a group of practitioners, or exorcists across different traditions.
"Medieval manuscripts describe the work of several exorcists within the monastery."
Every exorcist's job description boils down to a single ancient Greek word meaning to 'swear out' — literally compelling a demon to leave by oath.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exorcist
The word 'exorcist' derives from the Late Latin 'exorcista', which was borrowed from the Greek 'exorkistēs', meaning one who administers an oath or adjures spirits. The Greek root combines 'ex-' (out) with 'horkos' (oath), reflecting the practice of compelling a spirit by sworn command to depart. It entered English in the late 16th century through ecclesiastical Latin usage, alongside the related noun 'exorcism' and verb 'exorcise'. Cognate forms appear across European languages, including French 'exorciste' and Italian 'esorcista'.
Related word forms
How exorcist is actually used
The word carries strong religious and supernatural connotations and is most often encountered in contexts involving Christian ritual, horror fiction, and film. In modern usage it frequently appears in reference to the Catholic Church's formally appointed exorcists. Figurative use is comparatively rare but understood. The spelling is consistent across British and American English; the related verb has both 'exorcise' (British) and 'exorcize' (American) spellings.
Easily confused with exorcist
An exorcist is the person who performs the ritual, while an exorcism is the ritual itself.