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

Aside from social and family ostracism, women could be fired from jobs or lose access to education opportunities.

From Voice of San Diego

Many have opted to preserve their very being rather than conform, no matter the cost of social ostracism.

From Washington Blade

Beyond concerns about physical health, skin scratching and picking “has a social ostracism associated with it” that can cause significant disruptions in people’s daily lives, Friedman said.

From Washington Post

But what the boy geeks miss, she argues, is that they are not the only ones who have to deal with harassment or ostracism.

From The Daily Beast

Martyrdom, in this context, being defined as “mockery, slander, ostracism.”

From The Daily Beast

Corriere della Sera, Italy's largest newspaper, labelled the authorities' behavior as “vile ostracism” toward those faiths.

From The Daily Beast

Shame and ostracism are not guaranteed to be effective; like the recalcitrant husband, Israel may indeed dig in.

From The Daily Beast

What would be the point besides at a minimum misery, isolation, ostracism, and constant behind-the-back derision?

From The Daily Beast

With the gossip already clinging to her name, marriage to Bowden meant also social ostracism.

From Project Gutenberg

Shortly after the democracy obtained another triumph in the ostracism of Cimon .

From Project Gutenberg

Thinking over my sudden ostracism in Pettinger's house that night I only became more and more mystified.

From Project Gutenberg

While in Russia this took the form of actual massacre, in Germany and Austria it assumed the shape of social and civic ostracism.

From Project Gutenberg

The white man who has been restored to absolute power so as to establish social ostracism, segregation and lynching is a success.

From Project Gutenberg