exorcism
Casting spirits out
Exorcism is the practice of expelling evil spirits or demons from a person, place, or object, typically through religious rituals, prayers, or incantations.
The concept appears across many cultures and religions, though it's most associated in the West with Catholic rites performed by priests.
The film depicted a harrowing exorcism that lasted for days.
By extension, exorcism can describe any dramatic attempt to rid oneself of unwanted influences or painful memories.
Malevolent supernatural being
- demonicOf or like devils
- hauntingDisturbingly unforgettable
- poltergeistDisruptive supernatural entity
- entityIndependent existing thing
spirit · infestation · paranormal · supernatural · malevolent · possession · oppression · torment
Spoken magical formula
- chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization
- invocationCalling upon higher authority
- banishmentForced removal from place
- riteCeremonial act or practice
ceremony · prayer · conjuration · holy water · crucifix · relic · blessing · recitation
Removing dirt or toxins
- sanctificationMaking someone or something sacred
- purgingForcible elimination of unwanted
- deliveranceRescue from bondage
- salvationDeliverance from harm
redemption · healing · restoration · freedom · release · liberation · renewal · absolution
One who performs sacraments
- clergyOrdained religious officials collectively
- bishopDiocesan clergy head
- shamanIndigenous spiritual healer
- ministerReligious leader or serve
Catholic · diocese · authority · ordination · sacramental · ecclesiastical · faith · healer
Latin American folk healer
- demonologyStudy of evil spirits
- horrorExtreme fear or disgust
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- shamanicOf spirit-world intermediaries
demon
Malevolent supernatural being
- demonicOf or like devils
- hauntingDisturbingly unforgettable
- poltergeistDisruptive supernatural entity
entity · spirit · infestation · paranormal · supernatural · malevolent · possession · oppression · torment · affliction
incantation
Spoken magical formula
- chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization
- invocationCalling upon higher authority
- banishmentForced removal from place
rite · ceremony · prayer · conjuration · holy water · crucifix · relic · blessing · recitation · laying on hands
cleansing
Removing dirt or toxins
- sanctificationMaking someone or something sacred
- purgingForcible elimination of unwanted
- deliveranceRescue from bondage
salvation · redemption · healing · restoration · freedom · release · liberation · renewal · absolution · consecration
priest
One who performs sacraments
- clergyOrdained religious officials collectively
- bishopDiocesan clergy head
- shamanIndigenous spiritual healer
minister · Catholic · diocese · authority · ordination · sacramental · ecclesiastical · faith · healer · imam
curandero
Latin American folk healer
- demonologyStudy of evil spirits
- horrorExtreme fear or disgust
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
shamanic · indigenous · traditional · cross-cultural · syncretism
- demonologydemons, devil, Satan, Lucifer, Lilith
- ancient practicesalchemy, astrology, bloodletting, mummification, ritual sacrifice
- ancient ritesritual sacrifice, human sacrifice, animal sacrifice, blood sacrifice, burnt offering
- Catholic Ritesfuneral rite, marriage rite, last rites, holy orders, matrimony
- GospelsJesus, gospels, Jesus Christ, apostles, Gospel of Mark
- Medieval Ritesknighting, dubbing, homage, fealty, investiture
exorcisminvocation
Calling upon higher authority
summoning · demon summoning · conjuration · evocation · calling forth
exorcismblessing
Prayer seeking divine favor
benediction · consecration · anointing · sanctification · demonic pact
exorcismpossession
State of owning
demonic possession · spirit possession · inhabitation · taking over · enslavement
- The ExorcistSeminal possession horror film
exorcise, exorcist, exorcize, exorcisms, exorcised, exorcists, exorciser, exorcising, exorcizes