Defrocked: meaning, definitions and examples

⛪️
Add to dictionary

defrocked

 

[ dɪˈfrɒkt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

religious context

Defrocked refers to the action of removing someone from their position of authority, particularly within a religious context. It typically involves stripping a clergyman or ecclesiastic of their title or rights, often due to misconduct or a breach of conduct in their duties.

Synonyms

deprived, dismissed, removed

Examples of usage

  • The priest was defrocked after the scandal.
  • His actions led to being defrocked by the church.
  • Several members of the clergy have been defrocked due to allegations.

Translations

Translations of the word "defrocked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 defenestrado

🇮🇳 बर्खास्त

🇩🇪 entsetzt

🇮🇩 diberhentikan

🇺🇦 знятий з посади

🇵🇱 zwolniony

🇯🇵 解任された

🇫🇷 déchu

🇪🇸 destituido

🇹🇷 görevden alınmış

🇰🇷 해임된

🇸🇦 مفصول

🇨🇿 odvolaný

🇸🇰 odvolaný

🇨🇳 被解除职务

🇸🇮 razrešen

🇮🇸 afskiptur

🇰🇿 қызметінен алынған

🇬🇪 წამებიდან მოხსნილი

🇦🇿 vəzifəsindən azad edilmiş

🇲🇽 destituido

Word origin

The term 'defrocked' originates from the prefix 'de-', meaning to remove or reverse, and 'frock', which historically refers to a type of religious garment worn by clergy. The use of 'frock' in this context dates back to the Middle Ages, when clerics were distinguished by specific robes. The act of defrocking signifies not only the removal of the garment but also the loss of ecclesiastical authority and privilege associated with it. Over time, defrocking became associated with disciplinary measures taken against clergy for various misconducts, encapsulating the broader societal expectations placed upon religious figures. The word became more prevalent in the English language during the 19th century, as religious institutions faced increasing scrutiny and accountability for the actions of their leaders.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,560, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.