deportation

noun

de·​por·​ta·​tion ˌdē-ˌpȯr-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce deportation (audio)
-pər-
plural deportations
Synonyms of deportationnext
: 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

Examples of deportation in a Sentence

the deportation of the Jews from Spain in 1492
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ultimately, however, the lingering impact of being dragged last summer is known only to the officer – who is said to be experienced, with more than 10 years of service as an ICE deportation officer, according to DHS. Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026 An administrative warrant, by contrast, is issued internally by ICE and allows its agents to arrest someone for an immigration violation, such as overstaying a visa or failing to obey a deportation order. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026 The dangerous double standards embedded in mass deportation policies could severely backfire on America. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026 The administration has quietly directed diplomats to press allies on restricting inflows, enhancing deportation mechanisms, and ending policies perceived as favoring migrants over citizens. Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deportation

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deportation was in 1595

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deportation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deportation. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Legal Definition

deportation

noun
de·​por·​ta·​tion ˌdē-ˌpōr-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce deportation (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on deportation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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