expulsion

noun

ex·​pul·​sion ik-ˈspəl-shən How to pronounce expulsion (audio)
Synonyms of expulsionnext
: the act of expelling : the state of being expelled
expulsive
ik-ˈspəl-siv How to pronounce expulsion (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of expulsion

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Examples of expulsion in a Sentence

The government engaged in mass expulsions. the expulsion of air from the lungs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Polson is the ancestor of John Ridge (Lance Claymore) and Major Ridge (Marco Fuller); members of the Cherokee Nation who in 1835, signed the treaty that led to the Trail of Tears and the expulsion of the Cherokee out of southern Appalachia. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 Following the 2014 guidance, many school districts shifted away from suspensions and expulsions, adopting restorative justice policies that prioritize dialogue over punishment. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 The committee earlier this month recommended censure, which registers the House’s deep disapproval of a lawmaker’s conduct that doesn’t meet the threshold for expulsion. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Paradise Lost Milton’s 17th-century biblical epic traces the story of the Fall of Man and the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expulsion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French expulsioun, from Latin expulsion-, expulsio, from expellere to expel

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expulsion was in the 15th century

Rhymes for expulsion

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Browse Nearby Words

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expulsion
expulsion fuse
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Cite this Entry

“Expulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expulsion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

expulsion

noun
ex·​pul·​sion ik-ˈspəl-shən How to pronounce expulsion (audio)
: the act of expelling : the state of being expelled
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