Evict: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "evict" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despejar

🇮🇳 निष्कासित करना

🇩🇪 räumen

🇮🇩 mengusir

🇺🇦 виселяти

🇵🇱 eksmitować

🇯🇵 立ち退かせる

🇫🇷 expulser

🇪🇸 desalojar

🇹🇷 tahliye etmek

🇰🇷 퇴거시키다

🇸🇦 طرد

🇨🇿 vystěhovat

🇸🇰 vysťahovať

🇨🇳 驱逐

🇸🇮 izseliti

🇮🇸 rekinn

🇰🇿 шығару

🇬🇪 გაგდება

🇦🇿 çıxarmaq

🇲🇽 desalojar

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.

...
27210 serge
27211 rarefaction
27212 baled
27213 evict
27214 contrapuntal
27215 boycotting
27216 propitiation
...