ostracize
[ os-truh-sahyz ]
/ ˈɒs trəˌsaɪz /
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verb (used with object), os·tra·cized, os·tra·ciz·ing.
to exclude, by general consent, from society, friendship, conversation, privileges, etc.: His friends ostracized him after his father's arrest.
to banish (a person) from their native country; expatriate.
(in ancient Greece) to banish (a citizen) temporarily by popular vote.
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Also especially British, os·tra·cise .
Origin of ostracize
OTHER WORDS FROM ostracize
os·tra·ciz·a·ble, adjectiveos·tra·ci·za·tion, nounos·tra·ciz·er, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use ostracize in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for ostracize
ostracize
ostracise
/ (ˈɒstrəˌsaɪz) /
verb (tr)
to exclude or banish (a person) from a particular group, society, etc
(in ancient Greece) to punish by temporary exile
Derived forms of ostracize
ostracism, nounostracizable or ostracisable, adjectiveostracizer or ostraciser, nounWord Origin for ostracize
C17: from Greek ostrakizein to select someone for banishment by voting on potsherds; see ostracon
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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