Expel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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expel

[ɪkˈspɛl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

from school

To officially remove someone from a school or institution, usually as a form of punishment or for disciplinary reasons.

Synonyms

banish, dismiss, eject, oust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expel

Used when someone is forced to leave a place or organization, often for breaking rules.

  • The student was expelled from school for cheating on the exam
dismiss

Used when someone is allowed or ordered to leave a place or position, often by authority.

  • The teacher dismissed the class early today
oust

Used when someone is removed from a position of power or importance, often through force or strategy.

  • The corrupt CEO was ousted by the board of directors
eject

Used when someone is forcefully removed from a place, often physically.

  • The unruly fan was ejected from the stadium by security
banish

Used when someone is formally sent away from a place as a form of punishment or exile.

  • The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom

Examples of usage

  • They decided to expel him from school for his disruptive behavior.
  • She was expelled from the university for cheating on her exams.
Context #2 | Verb

from a country

To force someone to leave a country, usually because they have broken the law or overstayed their visa.

Synonyms

banish, deport, evict, exile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expel

Used when someone is forced to leave a place or organization as a punishment.

  • The student was expelled from school for cheating on the exam
deport

Used in a legal or governmental context when someone is sent out of a country, typically because they have violated immigration laws.

  • The government decided to deport the illegal immigrant back to his home country
evict

Commonly used in the context of removing someone from a property, often due to non-payment of rent or a lease violation.

  • The landlord had to evict the tenants for not paying their rent
exile

Indicates a situation where someone is forced to live away from their home country, usually for political or punitive reasons. It often implies a long-term, if not permanent, situation.

  • The dissident was exiled because of his political beliefs and actions against the regime
banish

Refers to sending someone away from a place as a form of punishment, often permanently. It has a somewhat old-fashioned or formal tone.

  • The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom

Examples of usage

  • The government decided to expel the foreign diplomat in response to the espionage scandal.
  • He was expelled from the country for illegal immigration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In many schools, students can be expelled for breaking serious rules, which means they won't be allowed to attend anymore.
  • Legally speaking, individuals can be expelled from a country, which means they are not permitted to return.
  • Expulsion is often a last resort in disciplinary actions, emphasizing the severity of behavior.

Psychology

  • Expulsion can have significant emotional impacts, leading to feelings of rejection or low self-esteem.
  • Studies show that being expelled or ostracized can affect a person's social development and future relationships.
  • The fear of expulsion from a group can influence behavior, pushing individuals to conform to social norms.

Education

  • Expulsion policies vary widely across educational institutions, reflecting differing approaches to discipline.
  • Alternatives to expulsion are often sought, such as counseling or special programs, to keep students engaged in learning.
  • Certain behaviors like bullying or violence often lead to discussions about expulsion in schools.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, being expelled often serves as a turning point for a character, leading them to new adventures.
  • Television shows frequently portray the dramatic effects of being expelled, impacting friendships and future choices.
  • Songs about falling out of favor often metaphorically use expulsion to symbolize deeper themes of rejection and loss.

Origin of 'expel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'expel' comes from the Latin 'expellere', which means 'to drive out or remove'.
  • The prefix 'ex-' suggests 'out of', and 'pellere' means 'to drive', perfectly reflecting the action of sending away.
  • The term has been in use in the English language since the late 15th century.

The word 'expel' originated from the Latin word 'expellere', which means 'to drive out'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of expulsion has been present in various societies throughout history as a means of maintaining order and discipline. In educational institutions, expulsion has been a form of disciplinary action for centuries.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,974, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.