Exiles
/ˈɛɡzaɪlz/
Definitions
2 meaningsPeople who are forced to leave their country or home, typically for political or punitive reasons.
/ˈɛɡzaɪlz/
People forced to leave their country.
The exiles formed a community in the new country.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have to move away from your home because of something serious. The people who have to do that are called exiles.
👶 For kids: Exiles are people who have to leave their country and live somewhere else.
More Examples
Many exiles longed to return to their homeland.
Political exiles often faced difficult circumstances in their new lives.
How It's Used
"The political exiles sought refuge in neighboring countries."
"The novel focused on the lives of the exiles living abroad."
To force someone to leave their country, often as a punishment or due to political reasons.
/ɪɡˈzaɪl/
To force someone to leave their country.
The king was exiled for his crimes.
💡 Simply: If a government forces someone to leave their country, they are exiled.
👶 For kids: To exile someone is like sending them away from their home country.
More Examples
The government exiled the dissidents.
Many people fear being exiled from their home country.
How It's Used
"The dictator exiled his opponents to remote islands."
"The king was exiled after the revolution."
Idioms & expressions
in exile
Living away from one's native country or home.
"The novelist spent many years in exile, writing about his homeland."
From Old French *exillier* (to banish) and Latin *exsilium* (banishment), derived from *exsul* (outcast).
The term 'exile' has been used for centuries, reflecting periods of political unrest, persecution, and forced migration. It's frequently used in historical accounts, literature, and legal contexts.
Memory tip
Think of the 'ex' in exiles as meaning 'out,' and the rest points to a life lived outside of their home.
Word Origin
"outcast, banishment"