WordGarden.ioexpel
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛkspˈɛl/
US
- /ɪkˈspɛl/
Meanings
Verb
to officially force someone to leave a school, organization, country, or place
to force air, liquid, gas, or another substance out from inside something
Beyond the definition
To expel someone means to force them to leave a place or organization, often as a punishment. Think of a school expelling a student for bad behavior, or your body expelling air when you cough. It's a strong word that suggests complete removal. You might also see it used in science, describing how lungs expel air.
Expel comes from the Latin expellere, meaning to drive out. If someone is expelled from a club, they've been driven out and are no longer welcome. A volcano can expel lava, forcefully ejecting molten rock from within. It's not just about people; things can be expelled too!
The word "expel" means to force someone or something out of a place or organization. It implies a deliberate act of removal, often as a consequence of wrongdoing or unacceptable behavior. For example: "The school board voted to expel the student who had repeatedly broken the rules," or "The member was expelled from the club."
However, "expel" isn't limited to disciplinary actions. It can also describe natural processes where something is pushed out forcefully. "The lungs expel carbon dioxide during exhalation" describes a biological function. A volcano might "expel lava and ash," releasing its inner contents with great power.
Figuratively, you can even "expel negative thoughts"—meaning to actively push them away from your mind. This usage emphasizes the forceful removal of something unwanted.
The word carries weight; it's not simply leaving a place, but being driven out. It suggests a break in connection and often implies punishment or rejection.
So whether it's students, air, lava, or thoughts—to expel is to drive something forcefully outward, ending its presence within a defined space.
Examples
- 1
School discipline
The school expelled two students for cheating on the final exam.
- 2
Club rules
Members can be expelled from the club if they break the rules.
- Patternexpel someone from + group/organization
officially force them to leave it
- 3
Diplomacy
The country expelled several diplomats after the spying scandal.
- Domainin diplomacy, expel diplomats
order them to leave the country
- 4
Body reaction
A strong cough can help expel mucus from the lungs.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Engine exhaust
The engine expels hot gases through the exhaust pipe.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- expelverb
Forms
- expelledpast tenseverb
- expelling-ing formverb
- expelsverb