defrocked
UK[ˌdiːˈfrɒkt]US[ˌdiːˈfrɑːkt]
v
To formally remove a priest or minister from their position and privileges, especially as a punishment.
v
(by extension) To remove someone from a position of authority or status.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
frock
ed
de
remove
frock
priest's garment
ed
past tense suffix
Etymology
The word 'defrocked' is a vivid example of metonymy, where an object symbolizes the authority it represents. It originates from the combination of the Latin prefix 'de-' (indicating removal) and the Germanic-derived word 'frock', referring to the distinctive robe worn by clergy. The literal act of stripping off the ceremonial frock became a symbolic gesture for the formal removal of clerical status and privileges. Over time, this specific ecclesiastical term has broadened in secular use to describe the forceful removal of anyone from a position of authority, maintaining its core sense of a formal and humiliating dismissal.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + frock (priest's garment) + ed (past tense suffix)
de: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "off, away, down, completely," used here to indicate removal or reversal.
frock: A word of Germanic origin (via Old French) meaning a long, loose outer garment, specifically associated with the official robe of a priest or monk.
ed: A suffix of Old English origin used to form the past tense and past participle of regular verbs.
Examples
The bishop was defrocked after the church tribunal found him guilty of misconduct.
The scandal led to the CEO being effectively defrocked by the board of directors.
In a historic decision, several priests were defrocked for violating canon law.