banish

Pronunciation: verb. Synonyms: extradite, exile, dispel

verb

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of banish

To expel someone from a place, typically as a form of punishment or exile, or to eliminate something undesirable entirely.

Origin of banish

Language of origin: Old French

Root word: banir

Original meaning: to proclaim or summon

How it evolved: Initially referring to public proclamations or commands, the term evolved to denote the act of expelling or exiling someone under such proclamations.

The word 'banish' originates from the Old French 'banir', meaning 'to proclaim or summon,' later evolving to mean 'to expel.'

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember banish

Think of 'banish' as 'ban-ish'—to ban something or someone permanently, sending it far away.

Synonyms for banish

Antonyms of banish

  • welcome
  • embrace
  • include
  • admit
  • accept

banish in a Sentence

  1. The corrupt official was banished from the kingdom, never to set foot in the royal court again.
  2. She sought to banish all negative thoughts from her mind before the high-stakes interview.
  3. The new policies aim to banish outdated practices and introduce a more inclusive culture.

banish in Literature & Culture

The word 'banish' is often used in literature and historical texts to describe punishment or exile, appearing in notable works like Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and Shakespeare's plays.

Usage Notes

The term 'banish' often carries a formal or dramatic connotation, frequently used in contexts involving authority or emotional intensity. It is less suited for casual usage.

Why banish Matters for GRE & SAT

Understanding 'banish' is important for the GRE as it often appears in reading comprehension and sentence equivalence questions, especially in contexts involving removal or elimination.

Word Family

banishment (noun)
The act of expelling someone from a place as punishment.
banisher (noun)
One who banishes or expels another.

Did You Know?

  • In medieval times, banishment was a common form of punishment for crimes, often seen as more humane than execution.
  • William Shakespeare frequently used the word 'banish' in his plays, such as in 'Romeo and Juliet,' where Romeo is banished from Verona.
  • The concept of banishment is still used metaphorically in modern self-help literature, encouraging people to 'banish negativity' or 'banish bad habits.'
  • eradicate
  • banal — unoriginal and dull; lacking creativity
  • baroque — overly detailed or ornamental
  • barrage — an overwhelming concentration of something, typically hostile words
  • barren — incapable of producing offspring or fruit; unproductive
  • base — lacking principles; morally wrong

More Vocabulary Words Starting with B

  • banal — unoriginal and dull; lacking creativity
  • banal — unoriginal and dull; lacking creativity
  • banish — expel from a place, especially as punishment; get rid of
  • baroque — overly detailed or ornamental
  • baroque — overly detailed or ornamental
  • barrage — an overwhelming concentration of something, typically hostile words
  • barrage — an overwhelming concentration of something, typically hostile words
  • barren — incapable of producing offspring or fruit; unproductive
  • barren — incapable of producing offspring or fruit; unproductive
  • base — lacking principles; morally wrong