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DictionaryRoot: ex-
Greek

ex-

out or out of

Forms

  • ex-
  • ek- — The form normally used before a consonant.

Origin

The vowel-following form of Greek ek-, related to Latin ex-.

Note

The following sound explains the choice between ek- and ex-.

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A priest holds a crucifix toward a dark, menacing spirit emerging from a seated man's upper body; the spirit recoils while the priest firmly gestures it away.
noun

exorcist

EK-sor-sist/ˈeksɔːrsɪst/

A person who expels supposed evil spirits through ritual or prayer.

Etymology
exGreekout or out of
+orcGreekoath
+istGreekperson who performs an action

The oath root connects this person with solemn invocation rather than physical force. The underlying verb meant “bind by oath” and came to mean driving out an evil spirit—the action an exorcist performs.

Full entry

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