Shun

/ʃʌn/

Meaning & Definition

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

Slang Meanings

To ghost someone.
After their fight, she just shunned him and didn’t reply to any of his texts.
To drop someone from your social circle.
When he got into trouble, all his friends shunned him.