excommunicate (C1)
verb
Pronunciation: /ˌɛkskəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt/
Definition
To officially exclude someone from participation in the sacraments and services of a Christian church.
Examples
The bishop threatened to excommunicate the rebellious priest if he continued to defy church doctrine.
Historically, to be excommunicated meant not only spiritual isolation but also social ostracization.
After a long deliberation, the council voted to excommunicate the heretic from the community of believers.
How to Use excommunicate
- excommunicate from (prepositional phrase)
- To officially remove someone from a group or institution. — "The society decided to excommunicate him from their ranks for his unethical behavior."
Synonyms of excommunicate
Words with a similar meaning to excommunicate:
Antonyms of excommunicate
Words with the opposite meaning to excommunicate:
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