defrock
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Critics say the results have been mixed and have accused Francis of being reluctant to defrock abusive prelates.
From Reuters
Benedict removed some 800 priests, but Francis seems far less eager to defrock abusers, reflecting resistance within the hierarchy to efforts to permanently remove predators from the priesthood.
From Seattle Times
But in an era of rampant clergy scandals, experts predicted that many Catholics wouldn’t see McCarrick’s defrocking as sufficient punishment for his alleged victims.
From Washington Post
“I would permanently ‘defrock’ Johnny Hunt if I had the authority to do so,” Barber, who leads a church in Farmersville, Tex., said in a statement released in November.
From Washington Post
As cardinal and pope, he passed sweeping church legislation that resulted in 848 priests being defrocked from 2004-2014, roughly his pontificate with a year on either end.
From Seattle Times
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.