defrock

IPA/ˌdiːˈfrɒk/
IPA/ˌdiːˈfrɑːk/

defrock — verb

  • defrockpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • defrockshe / she / it
  • defrockedpast simple
  • defrocking-ing form

1. to take away a priest's official authority to carry out religious duties, usuall

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to take away a priest's official authority to carry out religious duties, usually as a punishment for serious wrongdoing.

例句

The bishop defrocked Father Esteban after the abuse scandal became public.

transitive: defrock + a priest

After the trial, the church defrocked the young minister for stealing donations.

同義詞
  • unfrock

    same meaning and formal register; another verb for removing a priest from the clergy

  • dismiss

    much broader and more common; used for ordinary jobs, not specifically religious office

  • expel

    focuses on forcing someone out of a group or place, not specifically religious office

反義詞
  • ordain

    formal; means to officially make someone a priest, the opposite of removing them

文法句型

defrock + someone (a priest / minister)

be defrocked (passive)

用法筆記

Often used in the passive (be defrocked) and almost always with a religious figure as the object — a priest, minister, or rabbi. Distinguish from resign or retire, which the person chooses; defrock is always done to them by a church authority.

常見錯誤

❌The company defrocked its manager after the fraud.
✅The company dismissed its manager after the fraud.
💡defrock is only used for removing a priest or minister from religious office, not an ordinary job.