1. to remove someone from the priesthood or clergy as punishment
Usage: formal; ecclesiastical

Examples

• The bishop defrocks priests who violate church law.
• The scandal led the church to defrock several ministers.
• He was defrocked after the investigation concluded.
• The committee voted to defrock the corrupt chaplain.
• Church authorities rarely defrock clergy without serious cause.
• The priest feared being defrocked for his actions.