Definition

Verb (transitive): To force someone to leave a position, organization, or group, especially in a formal, public, or humiliating manner, often due to misconduct or failure.

Usage

This verb describes a formal or ceremonial act of expulsion. It often implies a public dismissal intended to disgrace the person and serve as a warning to others. It is typically used in contexts involving military, corporate, political, or organizational discipline.

Examples

• The corrupt officer was drummed out of the regiment in a public ceremony.
• The board voted to drum the CEO out after the scandal was revealed.
• He was drummed out of the club for violating its core principles.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a connotation of historical or traditional ceremony, such as the literal drumming that accompanied a dishonorable discharge from the military.
• It can be used in a slightly figurative sense to emphasize the shame and finality of the removal, even if no literal ceremony occurs.
  • The journalist was effectively drummed out of the profession by the sustained criticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Drumming-out (noun): The act or ceremony of expelling someone.
  • His drumming-out was a spectacle meant to deter others.

Synonyms

• Oust: To force someone out of a position of power.
• Expel: To force someone to leave an organization or place.
• Eject: To force someone to leave a place or position.
• Cashier: To dismiss from service, especially with disgrace (military context).

Phrasal Verbs

• Drum out of: This is the standard construction. The preposition "of" is used to specify the organization or position from which the person is expelled.
  • They sought to drum him out of office.

Related Idioms

• To be given the drum: (Australian/NZ informal) To be given information or warning. While related to "drum" as communication, it is distinct from "drum out."
• Drum up: To gather or obtain support, business, or interest. This is a completely different phrasal verb meaning to generate something, not to remove someone.
  • She tried to drum up support for her campaign.

Verb

1. remove from a position or office
   • The chairman was ousted after he misappropriated funds