'exorcise' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'exorkizein,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'horkos' meant 'oath.'

'exorkizein' transformed into the Latin word 'exorcizare,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exorcise' through Old French 'exorciser.'

Initially, it meant 'to bind by oath,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to drive out evil spirits.'