expel
UK: /ɪkˈspel/ | US: /ɪkˈspel/
vt. to force someone to leave a place, especially a country, organization, or school
vt. to eject or discharge something (e.g., air, liquid) forcibly
expel = ex<out> + pel<drive>
- ex: A Latin prefix meaning "out" or "away."
- pel: A Latin root meaning "to drive" or "to push," derived from pellere.
Etymology Origin:
The word expel originates from Latin expellere, combining ex- (out) and pellere (to drive). It entered Middle English via Old French expeller, retaining its core meaning of "driving out." Historically, it described physical ejection (e.g., air, people) and later extended to institutional contexts (e.g., expelling students). The logic is straightforward: pel (force) applied outward (ex-).
The school may expel students for severe misconduct.
The fan expels hot air to cool the machine.
The government expelled the diplomat for espionage.
Lungs expel carbon dioxide during exhalation.
The pump expels water with high pressure.