Meaning & Definition of word "Ostracism"

Ostracism

/ˈɒstrəˌsɪzəm/

noun:

  • 1. Exclusion from a society or group.
    • Example: The feeling of ostracism can be deeply painful for those who are shunned by their peers.
  • 2. A method of temporary banishment used in ancient Athens, where a citizen could be expelled by popular vote.
    • Example: The practice of ostracism in ancient Greece allowed citizens to vote to exile someone for a period of ten years.
  • 3. The act of ignoring or excluding a person or group, often as a means of social control.
    • Example: The student's ostracism by her classmates led to her feelings of loneliness and depression.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of ostracism

Meaning: Ghosting

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

Meaning: Cutting off

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