expel

[ik-spel]

verb (used with object)

expelled, expelling 

1. to drive or force out or away; discharge or eject.

   to expel air from the lungs; to expel an invader from a country.

2. to cut off from membership or relations.

   to expel a student from a college.

   Synonyms: excommunicate, exile, dismiss, oust

expel

/ ˌɛkspɛˈliː, ɪkˈspɛl /

verb

1. to eject or drive out with force

2. to deprive of participation in or membership of a school, club, etc

Other Word Forms

• expellee noun
• expeller noun
• expellable adjective
• reexpel verb (used with object)
• unexpellable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expel¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English expellen, from Latin expellere “to drive out, drive away,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + pellere “to push, drive”

Word History and Origins

Origin of expel¹

C14: from Latin expellere to drive out, from pellere to thrust, drive

Example Sentences

It is the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War Two.

From BBC

Australia says it will expel Iran's ambassador after alleging the country's government directed antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.

From BBC

Fife Council confirmed he had been disqualified from serving as a councillor, while the Scottish Labour Party expelled Graham when he was convicted.

From BBC

Foreign nationals who have had their human rights claim refused will be expelled from the UK and can take part in their appeal hearings from their home countries via video link.

From BBC

Plans to expel him on Friday were thwarted when, less than two hours before a vote to remove him was due, Ward quit as the independent member for Kiama.

From BBC

Related Words

• ban 
• banish 
• bar 
• dismiss 
• displace 
• eject 
• evict 
• exile 
• oust