expel Meaning & Definition
What Does Expel Mean?
As a verb, expel means to force out. It can also mean to force to leave (a place, an organization, etc.) by official action.
Expel at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ik-ˈspel/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | discharge, rout and release |
| Antonyms | accept, admit and receive |
| Verb forms | expels, expelling, expelled |
Expel Definition (Verb)
- to force out : eject
expelled the smoke from her lungs
- to force to leave (a place, an organization, etc.) by official action : take away rights or privileges of membership
was expelled from college
Synonyms of Expel
Antonyms of Expel
Expel in a Sentence
He was expelled from school multiple times for disruptive behaviour.
He was expelled from school multiple times.
expelled the smoke from her lungs
was expelled from college
animal lover though I am, I was determined to expel the uninvited mouse from my room
something in a wastebasket was expelling a foul odor
ringing and flashing madly, the slot machine expelled a bucketful of quarters
asked the patient to expel a deep breath
Word Forms & Grammar
ex·pelled
ex·pel·ling
ex·pel·la·ble adjective
expel
expellable
expelled
expelling
expels
expel (third-person singular simple present expels, present participle expelling, simple past and past participle expelled)
Words That Rhyme With Expel
Origin of Expel
Origin 1: Middle English expellen, from Latin expellere, from ex- + pellere to drive felt
Origin 2: Late Middle English: from Latin expellere, from ex- (“out”) + pellere (“to drive”).
First Known Use
14th century
Expel Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of expel is /ik-ˈspel/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (spel).
Quick Answers About Expel
What part of speech is expel?
Expel is a verb.
What is another word for expel?
You can replace expel with words such as discharge, rout and release. See the full list of expel synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of expel?
The opposite of expel can be expressed with words like accept, admit, receive and take.
What is the past tense of expel?
The past tense of expel is expelled. The present participle is expelling.