oust

verb \ ˈau̇st \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

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Examples: oust in a Sentence

Definition of oust

transitive verb

1 a : to remove from or dispossess of property or position by legal action, by force, or by the compulsion of necessity

The rebels ousted the dictator from power.

b : to take away (something, such as a right or authority) : bar, remove

The states do not like attempts by Congress to oust their jurisdiction.

2 : to take the place of : supplant

must be careful that quantity does not oust quality
—R. V. Williams

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Examples of oust in a Sentence

The rebels ousted the dictator from power.
Large national banks are ousting local banks in many communities.

Recent Examples of oust from the Web

Months after the Johnson County Commission abruptly ousted County Manager Hannes Zacharias, the commission has appointed the woman who was Zacharias’ deputy as his successor.

— lynn horsley, kansascity, "The vote was unanimous: She’s now Johnson County’s new manager," 12 July 2018
The Once-ler — who’s been ousted by his avaricious family in favor of a boarder — hits the road and stumbles upon the Lorax’s realm near the story’s start.

— james hebert, sandiegouniontribune.com, "At Old Globe, 'The Lorax' brings Dr. Seuss' environmental saga to vivid life," 8 July 2018
In the 2016 school board race, the dynamic of the board shifted when all three incumbents who often sided with Foose were ousted and three new members were elected in.

— jess nocera, Howard County Times, "Eight school board candidates won the primary, next up is the general election," 27 June 2018
His defense against Kevin Love (who shot 28.4% from the field when Young was on the floor) was crucial to the Pacers' upset bid against the Cavs in the first round—a series that nearly ousted LeBron from the playoffs.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "NBA Free Agency 2018: Top 50 Players Available," 25 June 2018
The object of the army’s meddling is Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted as prime minister by the courts last year.

— The Economist, "Pakistan’s army is using every trick to sideline Nawaz Sharif," 21 June 2018
Since then, the state took over Cardinal, ousting its former leadership.

— cassie cope and fred clasen-kelly, charlotteobserver, "Youth psych center faced abuse allegations. So why did Cardinal keep sending patients?," 8 June 2018
Indeed, this election was dominated by established candidates, including a ticket headed by former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, who was ousted after the 2014 Islamic State blitz of Iraq despite his coalition winning the most votes.

— chicagotribune.com, "Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr takes surprise lead in Iraq's election as prime minister falters," 14 May 2018
Father Patrick Conroy, the House chaplain who was controversially ousted from his position by House Speaker Paul Ryan has rescinded his resignation, CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Rebecca Kaplan report.

— CBS News, "Ousted House chaplain rescinds his resignation," 3 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of oust

Middle English, from Anglo-French oster, ouster to take off, remove, oust, from Late Latin obstare to ward off, from Latin, to stand in the way, from ob- in the way + stare to stand — more at ob-, stand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

oust Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of oust

eject, expel, oust, evict mean to drive or force out. eject carries an especially strong implication of throwing or thrusting out from within as a physical action.