defrock
/'di:'frɔk/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To formally remove a member of the clergy from their official position and privileges, especially as a punishment for wrongdoing. This action strips them of their religious authority and the right to perform clerical duties.
Usage
- The verb "defrock" is used in formal or legal contexts, primarily concerning religious institutions. It describes an official, punitive action taken by a church's governing body against a priest, minister, or other ordained member.
- It is a transitive verb and is often used in the passive voice (e.g., ).
Examples
- The bishop was defrocked after the council found him guilty of financial misconduct.
- The church decided to defrock the priest for violating his vows.
- He fears he will be defrocked if the allegations are proven true.
Advanced Usage
- "to defrock someone of": While less common, this construction can be used to specify the authority or status being removed, though the simple transitive form is standard.
- The tribunal moved to defrock him of his ecclesiastical titles.
Variants and Related Words
- Unfrock: A less common synonym with the same meaning.
- Defrocking (noun): The act or instance of removing a cleric from office.
- The defrocking of the pastor was a major scandal.
- Laicize (verb): A broader term meaning to remove clerical status and return someone to the lay state. "Defrock" often implies a punitive aspect, while "laicize" can be voluntary or punitive.
Synonyms
- Unfrock
- Dismiss (from a religious office)
- Discharge (from clerical duties)
- Depose (from a position of ecclesiastical authority)
Antonyms
- Ordain (to confer holy orders upon)
- Consecrate (to make or declare sacred for religious office)
- Install (to place formally in a religious office)
Related Phrases and Context
- While not a phrasal verb, the term is central to phrases describing ecclesiastical discipline:
- to face defrockment
- to undergo defrocking proceedings
- The concept is often discussed in contexts of ecclesiastical law, church discipline, and religious scandals.
Verb
- divest of the frock; of church officials