Exorcism is a ritual intended to expel, restrain, or protect against a harmful spirit, demon, or other possessing presence. Practices described as exorcism appear in many religious and folk traditions, but their meanings, authorities, methods, and beliefs differ substantially.
| Term | Exorcism |
|---|---|
| Field | Religion, ritual, folk belief, legend, and supernatural tradition |
| Meaning | A rite intended to remove or repel a harmful supernatural presence |
| Often compared with | Cleansing, blessing, healing rite, deliverance, banishment, and spirit possession |
What is an exorcism?
An exorcism is performed when a person, animal, object, building, or place is believed to be troubled or occupied by an unwanted supernatural being. The ritual may command the presence to leave, appeal to a divine authority, restore a boundary, cleanse a space, or protect the affected person and community.
The person who conducts the rite may be a priest, minister, rabbi, imam, monk, healer, shaman, elder, ritual specialist, or family member, depending on the tradition. Not every religion uses the word exorcism, and practices translated with that label should not be assumed to be identical.
Common elements
- prayers, sacred names, scripture, chants, or formal commands;
- blessed water, incense, salt, oil, fire, herbs, bells, or sacred objects;
- fasting, confession, purification, or preparation by the ritual specialist;
- questions intended to identify or name the possessing presence;
- gestures marking protection, authority, or the boundary of a place;
- support from family or a religious community;
- follow-up blessings, protective practices, or restrictions.
Exorcism and possession
Possession is the belief that a supernatural presence has entered or taken unusual control of a person. Exorcism is one possible ritual response to that belief. Traditions differ over what counts as possession, which beings may cause it, and whether the condition is harmful, voluntary, sacred, or unwanted.
Exorcism, cleansing, and blessing
A cleansing rite seeks to remove harmful influence, impurity, or misfortune and may not involve possession. A blessing calls for protection or divine favor. Exorcism focuses more specifically on confronting or expelling a perceived spiritual presence, although real rituals may combine all three functions.
Exorcism in legend and popular culture
Legends often intensify exorcism into a direct contest between a ritual specialist and a speaking supernatural enemy. The entity reveals secrets, resists sacred objects, imitates voices, or attempts to deceive witnesses. These narrative patterns make invisible spiritual conflict visible and dramatic.
Film and fiction have standardized a recognizable version of exorcism, but that version should not be mistaken for a universal religious procedure. Actual traditions may be quieter, communal, private, pastoral, or closely regulated by religious authorities.
A note on health and safety
Behaviors interpreted as possession can also be associated with neurological, psychiatric, medical, traumatic, or social conditions. Studying exorcism as folklore or religion does not establish that a supernatural cause is present. Anyone experiencing dangerous symptoms or severe distress should receive qualified medical or mental-health care, and ritual activity should never involve force, deprivation, injury, or withholding necessary treatment.
Related terms
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Exorcism”
- Joseph P. Laycock, The Penguin Book of Exorcisms
- I. M. Lewis, Ecstatic Religion: A Study of Shamanism and Spirit Possession
Last reviewed: September 2026.