exodus

noun

ex·o·dus | \ ˈek-sə-dəs

, ˈeg-zə-

Definition of exodus

1 capitalized : the mainly narrative second book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see Bible Table

2 : a mass departure : emigration

Synonyms & Antonyms Don't Leave Without the History of Exodos Example Sentences Learn More about exodus

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Synonyms & Antonyms for exodus

Synonyms

gush, outflow, outpour, outpouring

Antonyms

flux, inflow, influx, inrush

Don't Leave Without the History of Exodos

The Biblical book of Exodus describes the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, so it's no surprise that the word has come to refer more generally to any mass departure. The word itself was adopted into English (via Latin) from Greek Exodos, which literally means "the road out." The Greek word was formed by combining the prefix ex- and hodos, meaning "road" or "way." Other descendants of the prolific hodos in English include episode, method, odometer, and period. There are also several scientific words that can be traced back to hodos. Anode and cathode can refer, respectively, to the positive and negative electrodes of a diode, and hodoscope refers to an instrument for tracing the paths of ionizing particles.

Examples of exodus in a Sentence

the mass exodus from the cities for the beaches and the mountains on most summer weekends

Recent Examples on the Web

Carlson will in all likelihood survive this advertiser exodus. — Glamour, "Tucker Carlson Said Furious Women Should Watch Him. Here’s What I See.," 19 Mar. 2019 Media: Wochit Exxon's departure comes amid a corporate exodus by the likes of Ford Motor Co. and Expedia Group Inc. departed, largely in response to ALEC's positions on climate rules, renewable energy and other issues. — Kevin Crowley And Ari Natter, Houston Chronicle, "Exxon quits Koch-backed business group after climate change disagreement," 13 July 2018 British Prime Minister Theresa May seeks to stem Cabinet exodus over Brexit. — Chicago Tribune Staff, chicagotribune.com, "Morning Spin: Union that endorsed Democrat J.B. Pritzker gives Conservative Party candidate Sam McCann nearly $80K," 11 July 2018 With the managerial situation still up in the air, Chelsea are already worried about a potential exodus this summer, with Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard and Willian among those heavily linked with high profile moves away from Stamford Bridge. — SI.com, "Chelsea Open New Contract Talks With N'Golo Kante as PSG Ready Bumper Offer of Their Own," 11 July 2018 Despite a staff exodus that has left key vacancies across the West Wing, the White House this time is retaining more control over the nomination and confirmation processes. — BostonGlobe.com, "Trump’s reveal of his Supreme Court choice will be a show, and that’s how he likes it," 8 July 2018 Osorio seems uniquely qualified to stop that exodus given his track record of developing young talent. — Kevin Baxter, latimes.com, "Odds are Mexico's Juan Carlos Osorio is leaving — but where is he going? U.S. is a perfect fit," 3 July 2018 On Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed lambasted Suu Kyi for her handling of the crisis that led to mass killings and the exodus of more than 700,000 Rohingya from Buddhist-majority Myanmar since August 2017. — Annabelle Liang, The Seattle Times, "Southeast Asian-centered trade deal set for further delays," 14 Nov. 2018 Mikutel said he's seen firsthand the exodus of family and friends from the state. — Janice Steinhagen, Courant Community, "Veteran, Newcomer Square Off In 45th District Race," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exodus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.