deportation

noun

de·​por·​ta·​tion ˌdē-ˌpȯr-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce deportation (audio)
-pər-
1
: an act or instance of deporting
2
: the removal from a country of an alien whose presence is unlawful or prejudicial

Examples of deportation in a Sentence

the deportation of the Jews from Spain in 1492
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Federal judge Jesse Furman ruled today to block any deportation efforts until Khalil's attorneys and the federal government appear in court. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 Between the lines: Holding immigrants in detention is the largest cost of the deportation process. Russell Contreras, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025 In a deportation case, for instance, lawyers might consult the TRAC Immigration website which tracks how frequently immigration judges deny asylum claims. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025 For example, a Democratic memo said the bill would allow the administration to steer money away from combating fentanyl and instead use it on mass deportation initiatives. Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deportation

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deportation was in 1595

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Cite this Entry

“Deportation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deportation. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Legal Definition

deportation

noun
de·​por·​ta·​tion ˌdē-ˌpōr-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce deportation (audio)
: an act or instance of deporting
specifically : the removal from a country of an alien whose presence is illegal or detrimental to the public welfare compare exclusion

More from Merriam-Webster on deportation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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