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expel

/ɪkˈspɛl/
verb★Intermediate— to force someone to leave a place or group
formal

To force someone to leave a place, organization, or group, especially as a punishment.

The university expelled the professor for academic misconduct.

The professor was forced to leave the university due to unethical behavior.

The country expelled the diplomat after a diplomatic dispute.

The diplomat was forced to leave the country due to a political conflict.

💡

Often used in formal or institutional contexts, such as schools, governments, or organizations.

Collocations

expel fromto force someone to leave a place or groupexpel a studentto remove a student from a school or university

Synonyms

removedismissoustejectbanish

Antonyms

admitacceptretainwelcome

Related Phrases

expel from schoolphrase
to force a student to leave an educational institution
expel from the countryphrase
to force a person to leave a nation, often due to political or legal reasons

💡Pro Tip

Formal Context

Use 'expel' in formal or official situations, such as academic or legal settings.

Synonyms

For less formal contexts, you might use 'remove' or 'dismiss' instead of 'expel'.

⚡Gold Rule

Punitive Use

'Expel' is often used to describe a punitive action, so it carries a strong connotation of force or authority.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'expellere', meaning 'to drive out', from 'ex-' (out) + 'pellere' (to drive).

📝Usage Notes

The verb 'expel' is often used in formal contexts, such as legal, academic, or diplomatic settings. It implies a forced removal, usually as a punishment or due to a serious violation.

Word Breakdown

ex-
out
prefix
+
-pellere
to drive
root
English Dictionary

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