exorcise
Group 24Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To completely rid oneself of an unwanted feeling, memory, or condition GRE
Example in Context
The author used her memoir as a way to exorcise the trauma of her childhood, transforming pain into a narrative of resilience.
Synonyms
drive outbanishpurge
Etymology
To take away unwanted spirits or feelings, driving them out.
- ex- (Latin) — out of
- orcire (Latin) — to take away
Memory Aid
🏋️♂️Sounds like “exercise”
When you EXORCISE bad thoughts, it feels like you just lifted a CAR in the GYM!
Visual Association
👻A ghost being kicked out of a house by a furious exorcist, who is wielding a vacuum cleaner.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “exorcise” mean on the GRE?
exorcise (verb) means “To completely rid oneself of an unwanted feeling, memory, or condition”. The author used her memoir as a way to exorcise the trauma of her childhood, transforming pain into a narrative of resilience.
How to remember “exorcise” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “exorcise” sounds like “exercise”. When you EXORCISE bad thoughts, it feels like you just lifted a CAR in the GYM!
What are synonyms for “exorcise”?
Common synonyms: drive out, banish, purge.