Ousting

Ousting is the act of forcing someone to leave a position of authority or to depart from a place. In politics, business, and social life, it denotes removal from office, expulsion from a group, or eviction from a residence. The term derives from the verb oust, from Middle English with roots in Old French, meaning to eject or remove.

In political contexts, ousting commonly occurs through formal mechanisms such as impeachment, votes of no confidence, or recall elections that terminate the tenure of a leader. It can also result from legal actions, resignations prompted by pressure, or constitutional mechanisms that discharge an official. In non-democratic settings, ousting can take the form of coups or coercive removal by rival factions or external actors.

Outside government, ousting can target corporate executives or other officers through board decisions, shareholder votes, or contractual termination. In social or professional groups, members may be expelled or ostracized; such removals may be voluntary or enforced by rules and governance processes.

Legal and legitimacy considerations distinguish lawful removal from illegitimate ousters, with constitutional or organizational procedures designed to protect due process. Oustings can have wide-ranging consequences, including political transitions, policy shifts, instability, or reform, depending on context and legitimacy.