The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word EXORCISE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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X
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More clues leading to the result EXORCISE
- Drive out using oxygen for energy in military manoeuvres
- Cast out to rehearse, expending energy for nothing
- Put ban on spirits and remove without alternative
- Get rid of tax without alternative
- Spell out ‘Beelzebub’ perhaps
- Drive out men overcome by duty
- Stop possessions otherwise being covered by tax
- Without settling score I drive away
- Get rid of customs duty, allowing gold in
- Cause one to be dispirited?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Put ban on spirits" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case put ban on spirits = exorcise.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EXORCISE mean?
EXORCISE verb- To drive out (an evil spirit) from a person, place or thing, especially by an incantation or prayer.
- To rid (a person, place or thing) of an evil spirit.