Meaning & Definition of word "Shun"

Shun

/ʃʌn/

verb:

  • 1. to deliberately avoid giving attention to someone or something.
    • Example: After the scandal, many of his former friends chose to shun him.
  • 2. to keep away from (a place, person, or thing).
    • Example: She decided to shun all parties after her recent breakup.
  • 3. to reject or dismiss something as undesirable.
    • Example: In an effort to live a healthier lifestyle, he began to shun junk food.
  • 4. to avoid something through active dislike.
    • Example: The community tends to shun those who engage in criminal activities.
  • 5. to keep clear of; to evade.
    • Example: They shun discussions about politics to avoid conflict.

Etymology

Middle English shunnen, shunnen, from Old English scunian 'to avoid.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

shun the limelight:

To avoid attention or public notice.

shun something like the plague:

To avoid something very strongly.

shun one's company:

To avoid someone's company purposely.

Related Words

avoid:

To keep away from or prevent.

eschew:

To deliberately avoid using.

evade:

To escape from or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery.

Slang Meanings of shun

Meaning: To ghost someone.

Example Sentence: After their fight, she just shunned him and didn’t reply to any of his texts.

Meaning: To drop someone from your social circle.

Example Sentence: When he got into trouble, all his friends shunned him.