expulsion
ik-SPUL-shun
/ɪkˈspʌlʃən/
The process of forcing someone to leave an organization, university, or institution permanently.
Represents the absolute maximum disciplinary sanction an academic institution can levy, barring the student permanently.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'expulsio', noun of action from 'expellere', literally meaning 'to drive out'. It moved into Middle English via Old French to describe driving out unwanted individuals from communities or schools.
Word relationships
- ejection: Ejection refers to physical removal from a venue, while expulsion is formal administrative removal from an institution.
- dismissal: Dismissal can mean letting someone go from a job or class, whereas expulsion carries a permanent disciplinary ban.
- admission: Admission is granting official entry into an institution.
- reinstatement: Reinstatement restores a expelled or suspended student to good standing.
Commonly confused with
- suspension: Suspension is a temporary removal for a set period, while expulsion is a permanent ban.
Word family
- expel (verb): To force someone to leave permanently.
Collocations
- face expulsion
- risk expulsion
- summary expulsion
- expulsion from school
Idioms & expressions
- given the boot
- cast out
Example sentences
- "Repeated instances of severe academic misconduct ultimately resulted in the student's expulsion." Institutional Discipline
- "Expulsion is reserved for severe infractions such as contract cheating and large-scale exam fraud." University Policy
Memory hook
EXPEL = EX (out) + PEL (drive). Driven out of school permanently. Driven out permanently
When not to use
Do not use for short temporary breaks or suspensions.
Fun facts
- In medieval European universities, expulsion meant a student was banished from the town entirely, not just campus grounds.
Related words
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