What does oust mean?
Oust is a formal verb meaning to force someone or something out of a position, office, organization, or place. Its most common use describes the removal of a person from power or authority, often because a governing body, political rival, or court has decided that the person should no longer occupy that role. The word can also mean more generally to eject or displace someone or something from a location, such as a market or competition. Oust is stronger and more forceful than simply remove, and it usually implies deliberate action, struggle, or loss of status. The related forms ousted and ousting are common in journalism, politics, law, and sport. Because the verb focuses on displacement from an established position, it is especially useful when the manner or cause of someone’s departure is important.
verbTo force someone out of a position, office, organization, or other place they occupy, especially by taking away their authority or membership. It can also mean to remove or displace someone or something from a place.
- To force someone out of an office, position, or organization, especially by removing their authority.
- To remove or drive someone or something from a place or situation.
"The committee was determined to oust the chair after the inquiry."
"A court order allowed the regulator to oust the company from the market."
"The new team worked hard to oust its opponents from the competition."
To oust someone is to remove them from a position they have occupied, often with the implication that their authority has been forcibly or politically overcome.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oust come from?
The modern verb developed from Middle English ousten, continuing Old English ūstian, meaning “to drive out” or “expel.” The word is generally traced to a Germanic root associated with emptying or driving out, and it has relatives in several Germanic languages. Its established modern meaning is the forceful removal of a person from office, power, membership, or a place.
How oust is actually used
Usually transitive and somewhat formal. It commonly suggests the loss of a position, status, or place through deliberate action rather than a voluntary departure.