Exorcism: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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

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