exorcism

noun

ex·​or·​cism ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsi-zəm  -sər- 

1

: the act or practice of exorcising

2

: a spell or formula used in exorcising

exorcist

ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsist  -sər- 

-səst

noun

exorcistic

ˌek-ˌsȯr-ˈsi-stik  -sər- 

adjective

or exorcistical

ˌek-ˌsȯr-ˈsi-sti-kəl  -sər- 

Examples of exorcism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The nurse called the priest to do an exorcism on the house and bless the nurse and her roommate. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025

The film watches as a flight carrying the body of a priest who died during an exorcism experiences some unexpected turbulence. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 July 2025

Anyone who watched Wednesday’s 13-0 Phillies win over the San Francisco Giants that doubled as an exorcism would deduce that Harper is back. —Matt Gelb, New York Times, 10 July 2025

How 'Begone Satan!' emerged as the source of 'The Ritual' in Time magazine Steiger's job was to host (other churches declined) and to take notes during the harrowing (and reportedly successful) exorcism. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exorcism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

exorcism

noun

ex·​or·​cism ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsiz-əm 

-sər-

: the act or practice of exorcising

exorcist

-ˌsist 

-səst

noun