What does ouster mean?
An ouster is a removal or expulsion, especially from an office, organization, or position of authority. The noun refers to the person who has been forced out, while the verb describes the act of removing them. In legal and political contexts, an ouster may result from a court decision, an official vote, a dismissal, or the loss of legal control. The word has a firm, formal tone and often suggests that the person involved did not leave voluntarily or easily. It is useful when precision is needed because it identifies not only a separation but the fact that someone has been excluded from a role or place. For instance, a newspaper might report a boardroom dispute as an attempt to oust a director, while a legal summary might describe the same event as the ouster of an officer.
A person who has been expelled or removed from an office, organization, or position of authority.
"The ouster of the senator prompted calls for an independent inquiry."
Formal; especially common in legal, political, and organizational contexts.
To force someone out or remove them from a place, role, or position of authority.
"The members voted to oust the club president."
Usually implies a deliberate and often forceful removal.
Used when referring to one or more people who have been expelled or removed from positions, offices, or organizations.
"The two ousters were replaced within a week."
An ouster can take an organization by surprise: a single vote may send someone who once held great power out of the room entirely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ouster
The word comes through Old French oster, meaning to expel or remove, from the Latin excludere, a compound of ex-, meaning out, and claudere, meaning to close. The English verb oust developed in the Middle English period, and the noun ouster followed as the designation of a person expelled. Related forms include exclude and exclusive, which continue the sense of shutting out or excluding.
Related word forms
How ouster is actually used
The noun and verb are formal and especially common in legal, political, and organizational contexts. The verb can imply a forceful or unwanted removal, although it may also be used neutrally. In American legal writing, ouster is frequently used for removal from office or control of property.
Easily confused with ouster
Oust is the verb meaning to force or remove someone from a position, whereas ouster is the noun for the person removed or the act of removal.