C1noun3K

Exile

UK /["/ˈeksaɪl//ˈeɡzaɪl/"]/US /["/ˈeksaɪl//ˈeɡzaɪl/"]/

Definition

the state of being sent to live in another country that is not your own, especially for political reasons or as a punishment

In simple words: To force someone to leave their home or country.

Examples

  • a place of exile
  • He returned after 40 years of exile.
  • She has lived in exile since 1989.
  • The whole family went into exile.
  • to be forced/sent into exile
  • Dante died in exile from Florence.
  • He still hopes to return from exile one day.
  • He went into exile after the overthrow of the government.
  • They are in tax exile from the UK.
  • political exiles

Usage notes

Used mainly in serious contexts, such as politics or history. Avoid using in casual conversations. It often implies being forced out rather than choosing to leave.

Grammar pattern

exile + object

Memory hint

Think of 'exit'—when someone is exiled, they must exit their homeland.

Collocations

  • long
  • permanent
  • enforced
  • be driven into
  • be forced into
  • be sent into
  • in exile
  • exile from
  • exile to
  • a place of exile
  • somebody’s return from exile
  • political
  • tax
  • returning
  • live
  • return

Synonyms

  • banishment
  • exclusion
  • displacement
  • ostracism
  • removal

Antonyms

  • home
  • return
  • residence
  • presence

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'exile' as a temporary situation instead of permanent.
  • Using 'exile' with non-people subjects (e.g., saying 'the law was exiled').
  • Mixing up 'exile' with 'banishment' which has different connotations.