banish
/ˈbænɪʃ/
Group 16Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To send someone away from a country or place as an official punishment; to dismiss from one's thoughts GRE
Example in Context
The reformer was banished from the country for daring to challenge the orthodox views of the ruling elite.
Synonyms
exileexpelcast out
Etymology
Originally meant to proclaim someone sent away.
- ban- (Old French) — to proclaim
- ish (Old English) — to send
Memory Aid
🚫Sounds like “ban-ish”
Picture a wizard waving his wand saying 'BAN-ISH!' and sending a grumpy troll out of his kingdom!
Visual Association
✈️A troll on an airplane, looking forlorn as he flies away from the land he was banished from.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “banish” mean on the GRE?
banish (verb) means “To send someone away from a country or place as an official punishment; to dismiss from one's thoughts”. The reformer was banished from the country for daring to challenge the orthodox views of the ruling elite.
How to remember “banish” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “banish” sounds like “ban-ish”. Picture a wizard waving his wand saying 'BAN-ISH!' and sending a grumpy troll out of his kingdom!
What are synonyms for “banish”?
Common synonyms: exile, expel, cast out.