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Evict Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evict

[ɪˈvɪkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

landlord-tenant law

To expel (a tenant) from property by process of law; to force someone to leave a property, especially a rented one.

Synonyms

eject, expel, oust, remove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
evict

Used primarily in situations where a tenant is legally forced to leave a rental property by the property owner or through legal action.

  • The landlord decided to evict the tenant for not paying rent.
  • They were evicted from their apartment due to loud parties.
expel

Generally used in institutional settings, such as schools, where a person is permanently removed for breaking rules or misconduct.

  • The student was expelled for cheating on the exam.
  • The country decided to expel the diplomat after the scandal.
oust

Commonly used in political or organizational contexts to describe the removal of someone from a position of power or authority, often involving conflict or competition.

  • The CEO was ousted by the board of directors.
  • Political rivals plotted to oust the incumbent mayor.
remove

A neutral term that can be used in a variety of situations where someone or something is taken away or dismissed from a place, position, or status.

  • They decided to remove the old furniture from the lobby.
  • The manager was removed from her position after multiple complaints.
eject

Often used when someone is forcefully removed from a location or a situation, typically with some sense of urgency or authority.

  • The security guard had to eject the unruly fan from the stadium.
  • In an emergency, pilots may need to eject from the aircraft.

Examples of usage

  • The landlord decided to evict the tenants for not paying rent.
  • If you keep breaking the rules, the landlord will evict you from the apartment.
  • The court ordered the landlord to evict the troublesome tenant.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To remove (someone) from a place or position, especially with force or authority.

Synonyms

eject, expel, oust, remove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
evict

Use this term when referring specifically to legally forcing someone to leave a property or residence, often due to non-payment of rent or violation of lease terms.

  • The landlord had to evict the tenants for not paying rent for six months.
  • After a lengthy court process, the family was finally evicted from their apartment.
expel

Typically used in a formal or institutional context, such as schools or organizations, to indicate that someone is being forced to leave or is banned due to a violation of rules.

  • The student was expelled for cheating on the exam.
  • The political party decided to expel the member due to his misconduct.
oust

Usually applied in political or organizational contexts to describe the removal of someone from a position of power or authority, often involving a struggle or conflict.

  • The board of directors decided to oust the CEO after the scandal.
  • The dictator was ousted from power by a popular uprising.
remove

A general term that can be used in various contexts to indicate taking something or someone away from a place or position. It is more neutral compared to the other terms.

  • They had to remove the fallen tree from the road.
  • The company decided to remove the outdated product from their lineup.
eject

This word is appropriate when someone or something is forced out from a place or situation, often quickly and sometimes forcefully. It can also refer to physical ejection, like from a machine or vehicle.

  • The bouncer had to eject the unruly patron from the club.
  • The CD was ejected from the player.

Examples of usage

  • The security guard evicted the troublemaker from the premises.
  • The police were called to evict the protesters from the building.
  • The board of directors voted to evict the CEO from his position.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Aspects

  • Eviction is often a legal process that involves the courts and officially removing someone from a property.
  • In many regions, landlords must follow strict laws about giving notices and reasons before evicting tenants.
  • Failure to comply with legal eviction processes can result in lawsuits or penalties for landlords.

Cultural Representation

  • Evictions often appear in literature and film as a dramatic turning point for characters who lose their homes.
  • Artistic works may focus on the emotional struggles faced by those who are evicted, highlighting social issues.
  • Songs and plays sometimes reference eviction to discuss themes like loss, resilience, and the struggle for justice.

Economic Impact

  • High eviction rates can indicate economic distress within communities and contribute to cycles of poverty.
  • Studies show that evictions can lead to increased mental health issues for individuals and families affected.
  • Evicted individuals often face challenges in finding new housing, leading to instability and homelessness.

Historical Context

  • Historically, evictions have been used as a tool for social control, often during periods of economic crisis or upheaval.
  • In the 19th century, the practice of eviction became more common with rising urban populations and housing shortages.
  • Landlord-tenant relations have evolved, with significant reforms aimed at protecting tenants from unjust evictions.

Origin of 'evict'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'evictus', meaning 'to overcome' or 'to conquer'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, keeping the sense of driving out or expelling.
  • Another Latin root is 'vincere', meaning 'to conquer', which highlights the forceful action behind eviction.

The word 'evict' originated from the Latin word 'evictus', which means 'conquer' or 'overcome'. It first appeared in English around the 15th century. The concept of eviction has been present in various legal systems throughout history, often as a means for landlords or authorities to regain possession of property or remove individuals from certain premises. Eviction laws and processes have evolved over time to provide a balance between landlord rights and tenant protections.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,213, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.