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oust

verb
\ ˈau̇st How to pronounce oust (audio) \
ousted; ousting; ousts

Definition of oust

transitive verb

1a : to remove from or dispossess of property or position by legal action, by force, or by the compulsion of necessity The rebels ousted the dictator from power.
b : to take away (something, such as a right or authority) : bar, remove The states do not like attempts by Congress to oust their jurisdiction.
2 : to take the place of : supplant must be careful that quantity does not oust quality— R. V. Williams
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about oust

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Choose the Right Synonym for oust

eject, expel, oust, evict mean to drive or force out. eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action. ejected an obnoxious patron from the bar expel stresses a thrusting out or driving away especially permanently which need not be physical. a student expelled from college oust implies removal or dispossession by power of the law or by force or compulsion. police ousted the squatters evict chiefly applies to turning out of house and home. evicted for nonpayment of rent

Examples of oust in a Sentence

The rebels ousted the dictator from power. Large national banks are ousting local banks in many communities.

Recent Examples on the Web

 But in last year's midterm elections, the Democratic candidate, Dan McCready, battled Republican Mark Harris (who had ousted incumbent Rep. Robert Pittenger in the GOP primary) to a near-draw. — Steve Kornacki, NBC News, "This North Carolina House race will show if Trump's coalition is falling apart," 10 Sep. 2019 Grace has mostly retreated from the limelight since her husband was ousted, but his death could mean her re-emergence, and, coming amid a shattered national economy, the presence of the well-to-do former first lady may not be welcome. — Fox News, "Robert Mugabe dead: What happens to polarizing former first lady Grace Mugabe?," 7 Sep. 2019 Portland and Kansas City last met in the 2018 MLS Cup playoffs where the Timbers ousted Kansas City in the Western Conference Finals to advance to the MLS Cup. — Jamie Goldberg, oregonlive, "Portland Timbers fight back to beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1: Highlights, live updates recap," 7 Sep. 2019 Bed Bath & Beyond has faced additional pressure this year to improve performance in its stores from a trio of activist investors, which in May helped oust longtime CEO Steven Temares after blaming him for years of flagging sales at the retailer. — Sarah Min, CBS News, "Bed Bath & Beyond hires Goldman Sachs to explore asset sales," 29 Aug. 2019 Faced with questions on issues such as immigration and Russian interference in U.S. elections, Allred, who ousted Republican Rep. Pete Sessions in 2018, called for those problems to be solved by avoiding divisiveness. — Paul Cobler, Dallas News, "U.S. Rep. Colin Allred emphasizes moderate approach, bipartisanship at Garland town hall," 12 Aug. 2019 Providence recorded 99 points and ousted Pasadena Poly (98) to end the Tigers’ Prep League title run for the league championship. — Vincent Nguyen, Burbank Leader, "Looking Back: Providence excels amidst challenges in new league," 6 Aug. 2019 The announcement comes as Puerto Ricans who successfully ousted the previous governor from office following nearly two weeks of protests await yet another twist in what is a deepening constitutional crisis. — Dánica Coto, Twin Cities, "Puerto Ricans await court decision on potential new governor," 5 Aug. 2019 Running one of Europe’s banks is a hazardous occupation: ask John Cryan, sacked after less than three years at Deutsche Bank in 2018, or John Flint, ousted from HSBC this month, after 30 years at the bank but a mere year and a half in the hot seat. — The Economist, "Tidjane Thiam’s overhaul of Credit Suisse is paying off," 24 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oust.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of oust

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for oust

Middle English, from Anglo-French oster, ouster to take off, remove, oust, from Late Latin obstare to ward off, from Latin, to stand in the way, from ob- in the way + stare to stand — more at ob-, stand

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More Definitions for oust

oust

verb
How to pronounce oust (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of oust

: to cause or force (someone or something) to leave a position of power, a competition, etc.
: to take the place of (someone or something)

See the full definition for oust in the English Language Learners Dictionary

oust

verb
\ ˈau̇st How to pronounce oust (audio) \
ousted; ousting

Kids Definition of oust

: to force or drive out (as from office or from possession of something)

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More from Merriam-Webster on oust

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with oust

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for oust

Spanish Central: Translation of oust

Nglish: Translation of oust for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of oust for Arabic Speakers

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