ostracization

[ os-truh-sahy-zey-shuhn ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostracization¹

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

Example Sentences

Upon her arrival in Congress, GOP leadership did not ostracize her, but seated her on the Education and Labor and Budget committees.

From Vox

On the other hand, professing a belief in Darwinian evolution over the biblical narrative will likely ostracize you from family, friends, co-workers, your church community—in short most of your social infrastructure.

From Nautilus

What can this tell us about the history of disability and ostracization?

From The Daily Beast

My family suffers from the ostracization I experienced until this very day.

From The Daily Beast

Any accusation is guaranteed to bring media scrutiny, and the accuser risks ostracization on campus.

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg