deportation

noun

de·​por·​ta·​tion ˌdē-ˌpȯr-ˈtā-shən 

-pər-

plural deportations

: an act or instance of deporting

especially : the removal from a country by an executive government agency of a foreign-born noncitizen (such as one whose presence violates immigration laws or is ruled detrimental to the public welfare)

Synonyms of deportation

• expulsion

Examples of deportation in a Sentence

the deportation of the Jews from Spain in 1492

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s what happened in this case, the justices wrote, with the judge noting that Perez Garcia had returned after deportation. — Carolyn Komatsoulis updated July 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 July 2026

The faith group’s advocacy efforts have recently focused on helping immigrants who are in danger of arrest and deportation. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Somali deportations Mohamed’s last call came in early December from an undisclosed airport. — Julia Coin updated July 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026

Salvation came, or appeared to, in his 20s, when President Barack Obama offered young immigrants like him protection from deportation. — Lauren Villagran, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deportation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Legal Definition

deportation

noun

de·​por·​ta·​tion ˌdē-ˌpōr-ˈtā-shən 

: an act or instance of deporting

specifically : the removal from a country of an alien whose presence is illegal or detrimental to the public welfare compare exclusion