Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Exorcism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😈
Add to dictionary

exorcism

[ˈɛk.sɔːr.sɪ.zəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

spiritual practice

Exorcism is a religious or spiritual practice intended to expel demons or evil spirits from a person or an area. It is often associated with various religious traditions, particularly Christianity, where it is performed by an ordained priest or a spiritual leader. The practice can involve a range of rituals, prayers, and rituals utilizing holy water or relics. Exorcisms can be performed on individuals who are believed to be possessed or on places that are thought to be cursed. While often dramatized in popular culture, exorcism remains an important practice in many faiths, addressing the belief in spiritual turmoil.

Synonyms

deliverance, drive out, expulsion.

Examples of usage

  • The priest performed an exorcism to free the boy from the evil spirit.
  • In the film, a controversial exorcism sparked debates about faith and science.
  • The family sought help from a religious leader for a potential exorcism.
  • Exorcisms often involve prayers and rituals to cleanse the afflicted.
  • Reports of exorcism cases have increased in communities around the world.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures practice exorcisms, including Christianity, Islam, and various Indigenous traditions, each with unique rituals and beliefs.
  • The famous 1973 movie 'The Exorcist' dramatically popularized the concept in Western culture, leading to a renewed interest in exorcism practices.

Religious Practices

  • In Christianity, exorcism is often performed by a priest, invoked to cast out demons through prayer and holy objects.
  • In some faiths, exorcism involves the use of specific texts or incantations, like the Roman Ritual in Catholicism, which details steps to follow.

Psychology

  • Modern psychology often views possession beliefs as symptoms of mental health issues, leading to debates about the need for professional versus spiritual intervention.
  • Historically, many mental illnesses were misinterpreted as demonic possession, showcasing a misunderstanding of science and spirituality.

Global Variations

  • In Haitian Vodou, a type of exorcism called 'Ritual of Death' helps spirits that have become confused or lost to find their way back.
  • Buddhism also has practices that share similarities with exorcism, as monks use chanting and rituals to clear negative energies from places or people.

Origin of 'exorcism'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'exorkizein,' meaning 'to bind by oath,' reflecting the idea of commanding spirits to leave.
  • In Latin, the term evolved to 'exorcismus' which combined 'ex' (out of) and 'cire' (to call), indicating a call to drive something out.

The term 'exorcism' comes from the Greek word 'exorkizein', which means 'to bind by oath', derived from 'ex' (meaning 'out of') and 'horkos' (meaning 'oath'). The practice of exorcism has its roots in various ancient religious traditions, where rituals were performed to rid individuals of harmful spirits or illnesses believed to be caused by supernatural forces. The early Christian Church formalized exorcism as part of its spiritual practice, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who is said to have performed multiple exorcisms. Over the centuries, the methods and beliefs surrounding exorcism have evolved, influenced by cultural perceptions of possession, mental illness, and the role of faith in healing. Today, exorcism is still practiced in some religious circles, serving as a symbol of faith in the power of good to combat evil.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,876, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.