To force someone or something to leave; to eject or discharge forcibly. Often used in educational contexts for removing students or in medical contexts for bodily functions.
From Latin 'expellere' meaning 'to drive out' (ex- 'out' + pellere 'to drive, push'). The root 'pellere' also gives us 'propel', 'repel', and 'compel'. The word has maintained its forceful connotation throughout its history.
The 'pel' root appears in 'propel' (drive forward), 'repel' (drive back), and 'compel' (drive together)! All these words involve force and pushing—expel is literally 'pushing out', whether it's a student from school or air from your lungs.
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