1. excluding or expelling someone from membership in a church or religious community, typically as a formal punishment
Usage: present participle of excommunicate; primarily used in religious contexts
2. excluding or shutting someone out from a group or community
Usage: figurative or extended use

Examples

• The church was excommunicating members who refused to follow its doctrines.
• By excommunicating the priest, the bishop sent a strong message about discipline.
• The organization faced criticism for excommunicating dissenting voices.
• Medieval authorities used excommunicating as a tool to maintain religious control.
• They accused the council of excommunicating anyone who questioned their authority.
• The practice of excommunicating heretics was common in early Christian history.