What does exorcistic mean?
Exorcistic is an adjective meaning connected with exorcism: rites, formulas, objects, or practices intended to drive out, control, or ward off spirits or demons. It is used chiefly in specialist descriptions of religious and occult traditions, historical texts, and formal discussions of ritual. The word can describe the ceremonies and instruments of exorcism, as in “exorcistic rites” and “exorcistic practices,” but it does not name the person performing the ceremony; that person is an exorcist. “Exorcistic” also differs from “exorcise,” which is the verb for carrying out the act. Its specialized vocabulary gives it a formal and sometimes dramatic or old-fashioned tone, so ordinary discussion of spiritual possession will usually use the more familiar “exorcism” or “exorcise.” The word is useful when the focus is on the ritual character of the practice rather than on the act or agent.
adjectiveRelating to or characteristic of exorcism, especially rites or practices intended to expel, control, or drive out a spirit or demon.
- Relating to exorcism or to the rites and practices intended to expel or control spirits or demons.
"The ritual included an exorcistic invocation of the holy name."
"The manuscript describes an exorcistic ceremony performed at the threshold of the house."
"Her research focuses on the role of exorcistic language in early modern religious practice."
Exorcistic names the ritual machinery of spirit-banishing, not the person doing the work: the exorcist performs the rite, but the rite itself is exorcistic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does exorcistic come from?
“Exorcistic” was formed in English from “exorcism” with the adjective-forming suffix “-istic.” “Exorcism” comes through Latin from Greek “exorkizein,” a verb meaning to bind by oath or adjure, and ultimately relates to Greek “ex-,” meaning out, and “orkos,” meaning oath. English “exorcise” and “exorcist” belong to the same derivational family and reflect this history of ritual adjuration and expulsion.
Related word forms
How exorcistic is actually used
Chiefly formal, technical, or historical, with associations to religious, magical, and occult practices. It is more specialized and less common than the broader words “exorcism” and “exorcise.”
Easily confused with exorcistic
Exorcistic is an adjective describing exorcism or its rites, whereas an exorcist is a person who performs an exorcism.
Exorcise is a verb meaning to drive out or control a spirit, while exorcistic is an adjective relating to such an action or its rituals.