oust

[oust]

verb (used with object)

1. to expel or remove from a place or position occupied.

   The bouncer ousted the drunk;

   to oust the prime minister in the next election.

   Synonyms: dislodge, evict, banish, eject

2. Law.,  to eject or evict; dispossess.

oust

/ aʊst /

verb

1. to force out of a position or place; supplant or expel

2. property law to deprive (a person) of the possession of land

Word History and Origins

Origin of oust¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French ouster “to remove,” Old French oster, from Latin obstāre “to stand in the way, oppose” ( ob- ob- + stāre “to stand ”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of oust¹

C16: from Anglo-Norman ouster, from Latin obstāre to withstand, from ob- against + stāre to stand

Example Sentences

And, just last week, he ousted the newly appointed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following disagreements over vaccine policy.

From Los Angeles Times

They had a bruising year in 2024, and found themselves in an unlikely position: protecting their own incumbents from challengers seeking to oust them.

From Los Angeles Times

How realistic is it that he can oust the captain from the United side, at least in the short-term?

From BBC

He was recently ousted and said he will become ambassador to Iceland.

From Salon

No president has ever attempted to oust a sitting Fed governor.

From Salon

Related Words

• depose 
• dethrone 
• dislodge 
• drive out www.thesaurus.com
• eject 
• evict 
• fire 
• force out 
• let go 
• lose 
• remove 
• sack 
• topple 
• unseat