Exorcism is the religious or spiritual practice of evicting demons, evil spirits, or other malevolent supernatural entities from a person, place, or object that is believed to be possessed. The practice is found in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The methods and rituals of exorcism vary widely between different cultures and religious sects, but they often involve prayers, invocations, the use of religious icons and symbols, and other ceremonial acts. Some traditions also employ specific texts or incantations believed to have the power to drive out the invading entity. The underlying belief is that the entity must comply when confronted with divine authority or sacred power. Exorcism may be performed by designated religious officials like priests, pastors, imams, or shamans, who are thought to possess the necessary spiritual authority or knowledge to expel the malevolent force.