ostracism

/'ɔstrəsizm/

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Word: Ostracism

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Ostracism is the act of excluding someone from a group or society. It happens when a group of people decides, usually by general agreement, not to associate with or accept a certain individual. This can make the person feel isolated or unwanted.

Usage Instructions: Ostracism is often used in social contexts, such as schools, workplaces, or communities, to describe situations where someone is intentionally left out or ignored.

Example Sentence: After the argument, Sarah experienced ostracism from her friends; they stopped inviting her to events and talking to her.

Advanced Usage:

In more complex or academic discussions, "ostracism" can refer to both formal and informal exclusion, including its psychological impacts on individuals, such as feelings of loneliness and depression.

Word Variants:

• Ostracize (verb): To exclude someone from a group.
  • Example: The team ostracized him because he didn't follow the rules.
• Ostracized (adjective): Describes someone who has been excluded.
  • Example: The ostracized student sat alone during lunch.

Different Meanings:

• Historically, "ostracism" referred specifically to a practice in ancient Athens where citizens could vote to exile someone for ten years. This was done to protect the city from individuals seen as threats.

Synonyms:

• Exclusion
• Banishment
• Isolation
• Rejection
• Shunning

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Cut off: To stop communication or connection with someone.
  • Example: After the disagreement, she cut him off from her life.
• Leave out: To not include someone in a group or activity.
  • Example: They decided to leave him out of the project team.

Summary:

Ostracism is a significant social issue, often leading to emotional distress for those affected.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of excluding someone from society by general consent
2. the state of being banished or ostracized (excluded from society by general consent)
   • the association should get rid of its elderly members--not by euthanasia, of course, but by Coventry

Synonyms

• banishment
• Coventry