ENGLISH
REFERENCE

expulsion

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɪkˈspəɫʃən// UK //ɛkspˈʌlʃən// ex·pul·sion

n. the act of forcing someone to leave a place or an organization forever. This usually happens because the person did something very wrong, like breaking a school rule or a law.

n. the formal act of forcing someone to leave an institution, such as a school, or a country. Refers to a permanent removal rather than a temporary suspension.


SIMPLE

The student faced expulsion for cheating on the final exam.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee voted for his expulsion from the club after he repeatedly violated the code of conduct.

COMPLEX

The sudden expulsion of foreign diplomats led to a significant breakdown in communication between the two nations, as neither side was willing to negotiate further.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English expulsioun, from Old French expulsion, from Latin expulsio, expulsionem.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific instance or event.

Pitfall

his expulsion from the school was for two weekshis suspension from the school was for two weeksExpulsion is permanent; for a temporary removal, the correct term is 'suspension'.

© 2026 English Reference