exorcism Hear it!

exorcism Definition

ex·or·cism (eksôr siz′əm, -ər-)

noun

  1. the act of exorcising
  2. a verbal formula or ritual used in exorcising

Etymology: ME exorcisme < LL(Ec) exorcismus < Gr exorkismos

exorcism Synonyms

exorcism

n.

  1. Witchcraft

    sorcery, conjuring, driving out; see magic 1, 2, removal 1.

  2. A spell

    charm, incantation, cabala; see magic 1.

exorcism Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • demon: Here we may refer to The Testament of Solomon once more, for the control or exorcism of demons through inscribed papers.
  • spirit: Completion is dictated by the exorcism of a spirit within.

Converse of object

  • perform: A local vicar will also come in to perform an exorcism.
  • need: They both need exorcism from ghosts of hatred and love.
  • include: I tried every theory and therapy available to change including exorcism.
  • have: And he has an exorcism on stage, and the ghost of Hamlet's father comes out of his stomach.
  • attempt: Reverend Elmstead attempts an exorcism, but is thwarted by what appears to be a malevolent presence.
  • involve: With a number of twists and turns the story winds to a conclusion that involves exorcism, multiple deaths, salvation and demonic trickery.

Adjective modifier

  • personal: I suppose the books are so violent because they contain a lot of hatred - writing is my form of personal exorcism.
  • attempted: The same is true of Pinch's attempted exorcism.
  • musical: Mr. Bsag commented at one point that it was like a musical exorcism, and perhaps it was.

Modifies a noun

  • ritual: Tribal groups use masks in shamanistic healing and exorcism rituals.. .
  • scene: I found the actual exorcism scene set in the barn very disturbing on a deep level which I can't explain in words.
  • account: However, the similarities with the exorcism account suggest that the wind is caused by demonic agency.