Definition

1. 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

1. divest of the frock; of church officials