Ostracism

/ˈɒstrəˌsɪzəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Exclusion from a society or group.

The feeling of ostracism can be deeply painful for those who are shunned by their peers.

A method of temporary banishment used in ancient Athens, where a citizen could be expelled by popular vote.

The practice of ostracism in ancient Greece allowed citizens to vote to exile someone for a period of ten years.

The act of ignoring or excluding a person or group, often as a means of social control.

The student's ostracism by her classmates led to her feelings of loneliness and depression.

From Greek 'ostrakismos', which comes from 'ostrakon', meaning 'potsherd' or 'tile'.

social ostracism

The act of excluding an individual from social interactions.

political ostracism

The exclusion of a person from political activities or parties.

group ostracism

When a group collectively excludes a member.

exile

The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.

alienation

The state of being isolated or estranged from a group or activity.

discrimination

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things.

Ghosting

She ghosted him after their first date, a form of modern ostracism.

Cutting off

After the argument, he felt like everyone was cutting him off, embodying ostracism.