verb

oust

OWST/aʊst/

To force someone out of a position, place, or power.

The manager ousts the executive, who carries his belongings toward the exit.

White male executive carries box of belongings out of office as Black female manager firmly indicates exit, ousting.

Etymology

The pieces mean “stand against,” the image behind blocking or hindering. The ancestral French verb already meant “remove” or “evict,” providing the direct connection to forcing someone out of a place or position.

In context

WKYC Channel 30:01

… files a motion to oust Kevin mccarthy as Speaker of the House, a serious effort to remove the speaker …

Rep. Matt Gaetz files motion to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy: Updates on what's next

More examples

Voters ousted the mayor after a corruption scandal.
Security guards oust disruptive fans from the stadium.
The rebels succeeded in ousting the president from power.

Forms

oust · ousts · ousted · ousting

ouster noun — Forced removal from office or power.

Similar words

remove: Broader term that does not necessarily imply force or opposition.
evict: Specifically means forcing people out of property they occupy.
depose: Specifically means removing a ruler or other high official.