excommunication

noun/ˌɛkskəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən/

Frequency rank: #17,101 most common English word

Meaning

the official exclusion of someone from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church.

Illustration for the English word “excommunication”

Example sentence

The medieval church threatened sinners with excommunication if they refused to repent.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 17,101–17,200