ostracization

American  

[os-truh-sahy-zey-shuhn] / ˌɒs trəˌsaɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of excluding someone from society, friendship, conversation, privileges, etc., typically by general and often tacit consent.

   Shame and ostracization left a bitter taste in the mouths of any who dared to offer an unpopular opinion.

2. the act of banishing someone from their native country or home territory.

   Her memoir tells a story of exile and ostracization—a disturbed teen kicked out of her home and driven from her small town to wander abroad.

3. (in ancient Greece) the act of banishing a citizen temporarily by popular vote.

   Around 431 b.c., ostracization of the philosopher Anaxagoras was orchestrated for his own protection by his friend, the statesman Pericles.

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Etymology

Origin of ostracization

First recorded in 1865–70; ostracize ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ostracization

Her lawyer said Ms Higgins and her husband David Sharaz had concocted a "fictional" story involving ostracization, harassment and threatening conduct by the senator.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2024

Reckoning with longstanding stigma and feelings of shame, many fear speaking out could lead to retaliation or further ostracization.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 24, 2023

They see through the scandals, threats and ostracization.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 6, 2023

As for specific Hollywood A-listers who fell victim to such ostracization, Bonham Carter said Depp "certainly went through it."

From Salon ● Nov. 28, 2022

She was also too heavily conditioned to graduate, and she hated college since her ostracization by the Sans.

From Marjorie Dean College Junior by Pauline Lester