To drive out or attempt to drive out an evil spirit from a person or place through religious or spiritual ritual.
From Late Latin 'exorcizare,' from Greek 'exorkizein,' meaning 'to bind by oath' or 'to adjure,' from 'ex-' (out) and 'orkizein' (to make someone swear). Originally meant compelling a spirit to swear an oath to depart, rather than forceful expulsion.
The original meaning of 'exorcise' involved making spirits swear oaths rather than forcing them out, reflecting ancient beliefs that supernatural entities could be bound by sacred words and promises. The word has evolved metaphorically to mean ridding oneself of any troubling influence, as in 'exorcising demons from the past.'
Historically, women were disproportionately accused of possession and subjected to exorcism; the term carries gendered violence in religious contexts targeting women's autonomy and dissent.
Use metaphorically with awareness of this history; in any serious context involving mental health or spirituality, avoid language that echoes historical persecution of women.
["eliminate","purge","dispel","remove"]
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