exile
EG-zile
/ˈeɡ.zaɪl/
The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons; to expel someone.
Focuses on the emotional and physical state of being forced to live away from one's homeland, often carrying a romantic or tragic tone.
The story behind the word. Exile comes from the Latin 'exilium', which is believed to derive from 'exsul', meaning a banished person. The root is connected to 'ex' (out) and a base meaning 'to wander' or 'to leap', capturing the image of someone leaping out of their homeland to wander the earth.
Word relationships
- banishment: Banishment emphasizes the authoritative act of being cast out, while exile focuses more on the state of living away from home.
- deportation: Deportation is a modern legal term for returning an alien to their country of origin, whereas exile is historically applied to citizens forced out of their own country.
- repatriation: Repatriation is the return of someone to their own country, ending their exile.
- welcome: Welcoming someone back is the opposite of forcing them into exile.
Commonly confused with
- asylum: Asylum is protection granted by a nation to a political refugee, whereas exile is the forced departure from one's own nation.
Word family
- exiled (adjective): Expelled from one's native country.
- exilic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of exile.
Collocations
- go into exile
- live in exile
- forced exile
Example sentences
- "After his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was sent into exile on the remote island of Saint Helena." A biography of a famous historical figure.
- "He chose a self-imposed exile in the mountains, seeking peace away from the chaos of modern city life." A description of personal, self-imposed isolation.
Memory hook
Think of 'exit'—when you are sent into exile, you are forced to exit your country forever. Exit your homeland.
When not to use
Do not use for minor exclusions, like being kicked out of a club or a meeting; use expel or dismiss.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, 'exilium' was sometimes chosen voluntarily by citizens facing a death sentence, as leaving the city permanently allowed them to preserve their lives and sometimes their family's property.
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