Definition of "defrock" [defrock]

To strip of priestly privileges and functions. (verb-transitive)
To deprive of the right to practice a profession. (verb-transitive)
To deprive of an honorary position. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "defrock" in a sentence

"A senior Catholic Church official has threatened controversy by saying that it would be safer not to "defrock" priests who had been convicted of sexually abusing children."
"Years of correspondence between Father Ronan's superiors discussing his alleged abuse of minors in Ireland were first sent as attachments to the Vatican in February 1966, Mr. Lena said, as part of a request from his religious order to defrock Father Ronan—a request that was granted weeks later."
"The Vatican began its crusade to defrock Father Bourgeois in November of 2008 with the threat of excommunication."

Words like "defrock"