exorcism
11exorcism — The expulsion of evil spirits. It was the belief in the 1st cent. CE, and long afterwards, that evil spirits could take possession of a person and cause mental and physical illnesses, especially epilepsy. By exorcism, which could take the form of …
12exorcism — UK [ˈeksɔː(r)ˌsɪz(ə)m] / US [ˈeksɔrˌsɪzəm] noun [countable/uncountable] Word forms exorcism : singular exorcism plural exorcisms 1) a process or action that is used for getting rid of an evil spirit, for example a ceremony or prayer 2) something… …
13exorcism — [[t]e̱ksɔː(r)sɪzəm[/t]] exorcisms N VAR Exorcism is the removing of evil spirits from a person or place by the use of prayer. The exorcism was broadcast on television …
14exorcism — This word (from the Greek exorkizein, meaning to bind by oath ) refers to a driving out of evil spirits. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as expelling evil spirits (see CCC 550). An exorcism is part of the celebration of the… …
15Exorcism — Shamans can be distinguished from the victims of possession not because they do not become possessed by otherworld persons or spirits (despite the claims of Mircea Eliade) but because they can be called upon to exorcise those who are… …
16exorcism — ex|or|cism [ eksɔr,sızəm ] noun count or uncount 1. ) a process or action used for getting rid of an evil spirit, for example a ceremony or prayer 2. ) something you do that helps you stop thinking about a bad experience or memory: Music remains… …
17EXORCISM — the act of casting out DEMONS or EVIL SPIRITS in a RITUAL designed to free the individual from evil influences. In the ORTHODOX CHURCH exorcism is practiced prior to BAPTISM. As a result of RATIONALISM, BELIEF in EVIL spirits was largely… …
18exorcism — Exorcizing demons from possessed persons has always been regarded as a task for specialist clergy, and though it played a part in some witchcraft cases (Thomas, 1971: 477 92), it is rarely mentioned in folklore. Exorcism of *ghosts, however,… …
19exorcism — exorcize (also exorcise) ► VERB ▪ drive out (a supposed evil spirit) from a person or place. DERIVATIVES exorcism noun exorcist noun. ORIGIN Greek exorkizein, from horkos oath …
20exorcism — noun Date: 14th century 1. the act or practice of exorcising 2. a spell or formula used in exorcising • exorcist noun • exorcistic or exorcistical adjective …
