ostracize

[ os-truh-sahyz ]

/ ˈɒs trəˌsaɪz /

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See synonyms for: ostracize / ostracized / ostracization on Thesaurus.com

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.

OTHER WORDS FOR ostracize

1 shun, snub, blacklist.

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OPPOSITES FOR ostracize

1 accept.

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Also especially British, os·tra·cise .

Origin of ostracize

First recorded in 1640–50; from Greek ostrakízein, equivalent to óstrak(n) “potsherd, tile, ballot” (akin to óstreion oyster, shell) + -izein -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM ostracize

os·tra·ciz·a·ble, adjectiveos·tra·ci·za·tion, nounos·tra·ciz·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ostracize in a sentence

Upon her arrival in Congress, GOP leadership did not ostracize her, but seated her on the Education and Labor and Budget committees.
Democrats want to make Marjorie Taylor Greene the face of the GOP|Gabby Birenbaum|February 2, 2021|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.
Vaccines Are the Safest Medical Procedure We Have. Make Your Wager Wisely - Facts So Romantic|Stuart Firestein|December 29, 2020|Nautilus
What can this tell us about the history of disability and ostracization?
Living With Disability in the Dark Ages|Elizabeth Picciuto|July 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
My family suffers from the ostracization I experienced until this very day.
Peter Beinart’s Bias Against Me, Cory Booker, and Israel|Rabbi Shmuley Boteach|June 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Any accusation is guaranteed to bring media scrutiny, and the accuser risks ostracization on campus.
Joe Paterno’s Troubling Attitude Toward Sex Charges|Nick Summers|November 12, 2011|DAILY BEAST
She was also too heavily conditioned to graduate, and she hated college since her ostracization by the Sans.
Marjorie Dean College Junior|Pauline Lester

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, noun

Word 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ostracize

OTHER WORDS FOR ostracize

OPPOSITES FOR ostracize

Origin of ostracize

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How to use ostracize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ostracize

ostracise

Derived forms of ostracize

Word Origin for ostracize