oust

/aʊst/ Formal

Say it: OWST

verb To drive out or remove someone from a position of power or a place, especially through force, intrigue, or a formal process.
The board of directors met secretly to discuss a plan to oust the unpopular CEO.

📖 Seen in the wild

The board voted to oust the CEO after a series of financial scandals.
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✏️ oust in a sentence

Rival factions within the party are maneuvering to oust the current leader before the next election.
She was ousted from her role as committee chair after the funding scandal came to light.
New digital technologies are quickly ousting outdated methods in the manufacturing industry.
The prime minister survived an attempt to oust him in a no-confidence vote.
Historically, many rulers were ousted by military coups or popular uprisings.
The champion was finally ousted by a younger, faster challenger in the final round.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

expel depose unseat eject topple dethrone overthrow remove

expel · suggests a formal removal from an organization, like a school or a country.

depose · specifically refers to removing a head of state or monarch from the throne.

unseat · implies removing someone from an elected or appointed position, like a seat in parliament.

eject · carries a stronger sense of sudden, physical, and forceful removal.

Opposites: install, appoint, reinstate, elect, welcome

🌱 Where it comes from

The word "oust" traveled from Latin to English through French. It began with the Latin "obstare," meaning "to stand in the way" or "obstruct." This evolved into the Old French "oster" (to remove), which was adopted into English in the 1500s to mean pushing someone out of a position or property they held.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

oust a leaderan attempt to oustvoted to oustousted from powera plot to oustsuccessfully oust

"Oust" carries a strong connotation of conflict and struggle; it is not a neutral term like "replace." It implies that the person being removed is unwilling to leave and is being forced out by a rival faction, a vote, or a strategic maneuver. The word is a staple of political and business journalism, where it efficiently describes power struggles.

Word family: ouster

💬 Quick answers

What does oust mean?

To oust someone means to force them out of a job, position of power, or place. It implies a struggle or a deliberate action, not a voluntary departure.

What's the difference between oust and depose?

While both mean to remove from power, "depose" is typically reserved for high-ranking rulers like kings, queens, or dictators. "Oust" is a more general term that can apply to anyone in a position of authority, such as a CEO or a committee chair.

Is oust a formal word?

Yes, "oust" is a formal word. It is most commonly used in journalism, historical accounts, and discussions about politics and business.

What is an ouster?

An ouster is the act of removing someone from power. For example, you might read about "the ouster of the company president."

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