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

Dallas-Fort Worth immigration judges granted asylum relief to just a handful of applicants in February, reflecting a nationwide trend of denying asylum seekers protection from deportation. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026

Continue reading … BENCH WARRED — Blanche torches Trump foe Boasberg after appeals court blocks judge again in deportation fight. —FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026

An American influencer visiting Australia was threatened with deportation from the country after videos of her snatching a baby wombat from its mother went viral. —CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

Consulates are overwhelmed, according to some diplomats, with so many Mexican nationals facing deportation — or worse fates. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 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