ostracism

[os-truh-siz-uhm]

noun

1. exclusion, by general consent, from social acceptance, privileges, friendship, etc.

2. (in ancient Greece) temporary banishment of a citizen, decided upon by popular vote.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostracism¹

1570–80; < New Latin ostracismus < Greek ostrakismós banishment, equivalent to ostrak ( ízein ) to ostracize + -ismos -ism

Example Sentences

As conservatives lionize Kirk as a warrior for free expression, they’re also weaponizing the tactics they saw being used to malign their movement — calls for firings, ostracism, pressure to watch what you say.

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The resulting one-sided discourse means that views that don’t align with official propaganda often draw harassment and ostracism.

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Blessedly, such ostracism has not been the case, and one has to assume that much of that is on Manville’s part.

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"That review identified evidence of a concerning practice of social ostracism among students, often referred to as a cancel culture," the coroner said.

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Lamentably, there were expressions of antisemitism and ostracism on campuses last year that created a feeling of discomfort among Jewish students, staff and faculty members, particularly those who strongly support Israel.

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