Expell

Expell is not a standard English word. In most contexts, it is a misspelling of expel, the verb meaning to drive out, eject, or cause to depart. Because expell is not recognized as a separate lexical entry in major dictionaries, its meaning is derived from the correct form expel.

Etymology and forms: Expel comes from the Latin ex- “out” plus pellere “to drive.” The present tense forms are expel, he/she/it expels; the present participle is expelling; the past tense and past participle are expelled. The noun is expulsion, and related forms include expeller (a device or person that expels) and expulsionist in rare or specialized uses.

Usage and senses: Expel is used in a variety of settings. It can mean to force someone to leave a place or organization (e.g., a student may be expelled from school; a member may be expelled from a club). It can refer to the act of ejecting something from a container or system (e.g., a valve that expels gas; the body expels waste). It can also denote banishing a person from a country or community. In science, to expel particles or fluids means to discharge them from a chamber or cell.

Common errors and guidance: When writing, use expel for the verb and expulsion for the noun. Do not rely on expell as a standard form; correct spellings help avoid ambiguity.

See also: expulsion, expel, expelling, expelled, expeller.