exorcism

noun

ex·​or·​cism ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce exorcism (audio) -sər- How to pronounce exorcism (audio)
1
: the act or practice of exorcising
2
: a spell or formula used in exorcising
exorcist noun

Examples of exorcism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Counselor’s Bedroom The maze heads back inside the house where a priest will be conducting a bedside exorcism. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025 Not the demons or the infestations or the hauntings or the exorcisms. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 16 Sep. 2025 There is no better exorcism than humour. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 The Nun ends on a flashback to a scene from The Conjuring, revealing that Ed and Lorraine performed an exorcism on Maurice, the man who helped Irene defeat Valak but ended up getting secretly possessed in the process. Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exorcism

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exorcism was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Exorcism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exorcism. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

exorcism

noun
ex·​or·​cism ˈek-ˌsȯr-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce exorcism (audio)
-sər-
: the act or practice of exorcising
exorcist
-ˌsist How to pronounce exorcism (audio)
-səst
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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