PsychologyJuly 19, 2026
exorcism
/ˈɛksɔːrsɪzəm/
Definition
A religious ritual performed by authorized clergy to drive out perceived evil spirits or demons from a person or place.
Etymology
The word originates from the Greek 'exorkizein', meaning 'to bind by an oath' or 'to adjure'. It entered English via Late Latin and Old French, evolving from the practice of commanding evil spirits to depart by invoking a higher authority.
In the news
In the article, the term refers to the 400-year-old Catholic practice conducted at a specialized training center in the Philippines, where priests perform rituals to liberate individuals they believe are spiritually afflicted.
Faith vs therapy: Inside the Philippine school for exorcists
Read the full article ↗Philstar Life