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

But we also have the insula, which processes risk, including the risk of social ostracization—to which the parietal cortex makes us extremely sensitive.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

After decades of wars, diplomatic and economic isolation and ostracization rooted in a combination of politics and antisemitism, Israel in recent years began to make significant progress in normalizing relations with several Arab neighbors.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

They see through the scandals, threats and ostracization.

From Los Angeles Times