excommunicate

1 of 2

verb

ex·​com·​mu·​ni·​cate ˌek-skə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt How to pronounce excommunicate (audio)
excommunicated; excommunicating; excommunicates
excommunicator noun

excommunicate

2 of 2

adjective

ex·​com·​mu·​ni·​cate ˌek-skə-ˈmyü-ni-kət How to pronounce excommunicate (audio)
: excluded from the rights of church membership : excommunicated
excommunicate noun

Examples of excommunicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Alleging disobedience, among other claimed doctrinal infractions, the OCA excommunicated the Homyks and longtime parish council leader Rivera. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025 In response, the OCA excommunicated all foundation officers, an action usually reserved for grave doctrinal infractions. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025 In the aftermath of its arrival, the only man left standing is an enigmatic former priest excommunicated from the Six Petals. Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025 In the interim, Solo physically excommunicated Jimmy Uso from The Bloodline six months ago and started his own version of the group with Jacob Fatu as his enforcer. Shaheem Reid, Variety, 8 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for excommunicate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Late Latin excommunicatus, past participle of excommunicare, from Latin ex- + Late Latin communicare to communicate

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1521, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excommunicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excommunicate. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

excommunicate

verb
ex·​com·​mu·​ni·​cate
ˌeks-kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt
excommunicated; excommunicating
: to shut off officially from the rights of church membership
excommunication
-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən
noun
excommunicator
-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt-ər
noun

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