What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defenestration
Example
The defenestration of Prague in 1618 marked the beginning of the Thirty Years' War. [defenestration: noun]
Example
The CEO faced defenestration after the company's financial scandal. [defenestration: metaphorical usage]
Example
The proposal was met with defenestration by the board of directors. [defenestration: metaphorical usage]
expulsion
Example
The government ordered the expulsion of all foreign diplomats from the country. [expulsion: noun]
Example
The air purifier helps with the expulsion of pollutants from the room. [expulsion: metaphorical usage]
Example
The student faced expulsion for cheating on the exam. [expulsion: literal usage]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expulsion is a more commonly used word than defenestration in everyday language. Expulsion is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while defenestration is less common and often associated with historical or political events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defenestration and expulsion?
Defenestration is a more formal and less common word than expulsion. While expulsion can be used in both formal and informal contexts, defenestration is typically reserved for more formal or academic settings.