Exorcized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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exorcized
[ˈɛksɔrˌzaɪzd ]
Definition
spiritual removal
Exorcized refers to the act of driving out evil spirits or demons from a person or place. It is a practice commonly associated with various religious traditions, including Christianity, where an exorcist performs rituals to rid an individual from negative spiritual influences. The term can also imply the removal of something undesirable from a situation or environment. Exorcizing is often depicted in movies and literature, leading to a cultural perception of haunting or possession requiring intervention.
Synonyms
cast out, drive away, expel, remove, rid.
Examples of usage
- The priest exorcized the haunted house.
- After several sessions, they finally exorcized the negative energy from their lives.
- The movie depicted a dramatic exorcism where the demon was exorcized.
- She felt lighter after she exorcized her fears.
- The community gathered to exorcize the old myths surrounding the forest.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religion and Spirituality
- In various cultures, exorcisms are practices meant to liberate an individual from malevolent influences, often involving rituals, prayers, or incantations.
- Different religions have their own methods; for example, in Christianity, it typically involves priests and religious ceremonies, while in Hinduism, it may involve mantras and offerings.
- Famous cases, like the 1973 film 'The Exorcist', brought significant attention to the concept in popular culture, intertwining it with horror storytelling.
Pop Culture
- The idea of exorcism became widely known through movies and books, often portraying a dramatic battle between good and evil.
- Stories like 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' illustrate the cultural fascination with exorcism, blending horror with courtroom drama.
- Video games, such as 'Doom', also use the concept of exorcism narratively, linking it to fighting against demonic forces.
Psychology
- In modern psychology, some phenomena attributed to possession have been reinterpreted as mental health issues, highlighting the influence of culture on how we perceive experiences.
- The exploration of possession and exorcism historically served as a way for societies to make sense of unexplained mental conditions.
- Debates continue on the boundaries between spiritual practices and psychological treatment, often focusing on how cultural beliefs shape these narratives.
History
- Exorcism rites can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Mesopotamia, where priests performed rituals to ward off evil spirits.
- The Catholic Church formalized the ritual of exorcism in the late 16th century, leading to a more structured approach.
- Historically, exorcisms were often linked with witch hunts, where accusations of possession were used to justify persecution and punishment.
Origin of 'exorcized'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek word 'exorkizein', meaning 'to bind by oath', referring to how one might command spirits.
- This word entered English in the 16th century, particularly through religious and supernatural contexts.
- In Latin, 'exorcismus' pertained to the act of driving out demons, highlighting the ritualistic aspect of the term.
The word 'exorcize' originates from the late Middle English term 'exorcisen', borrowed from the Old French 'exorciser', which in turn comes from the Latin 'exorcizare', meaning 'to cast out by enchantment'. This Latin word is derived from 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'cāsum', the past participle of 'cadere' meaning 'to fall'. The practice of exorcism dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was believed that illness and misfortune were often the result of demonic possession. Throughout history, various cultures have developed their own methods of exorcism, including rituals, prayers, and incantations. In the context of Christianity, exorcism was formalized and recognized as a sacramental act in the Catholic Church during the early Middle Ages, particularly after the Council of Trent in the 16th century. Today, the concept of exorcism continues to attract interest, especially in popular culture, where stories involving haunted places and spiritual battles are widespread.