ostracize

[ os-truh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, os·tra·cized, os·tra·ciz·ing.

1. to exclude, by general consent, from society, friendship, conversation, privileges, etc.:

   His friends ostracized him after his father's arrest.

   Synonyms: blacklist, snub, shun

   Antonyms: accept

2. to banish (a person) from their native country; expatriate.
3. (in ancient Greece) to banish (a citizen) temporarily by popular vote.

ostracize

/ ˈɒstrəˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to exclude or banish (a person) from a particular group, society, etc
2. (in ancient Greece) to punish by temporary exile

Derived Forms

• ˈostracism, noun
• ˈostraˌcizable, adjective
• ˈostraˌcizer, noun

Other Words From

• os·tra·ciz·a·ble adjective
• os·tra·ci·za·tion [os-tr, uh, -sahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• os·tra·ciz·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostracize¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostracize¹

C17: from Greek ostrakizein to select someone for banishment by voting on potsherds; see ostracon

Example Sentences

I’ve been advocating harm reduction from the very beginning, and I was criticized, ostracized, yelled at ….

From Vox

You might want to change, but if you get ostracized, it’s very difficult to persist.

From Freakonomics

Fed up with being ostracized, stigmatized, bullied and worse, the new generation is fighting back just like those who came before them.

From Washington Blade

Online communities gave them a place – and a space – to be themselves, without fear of being ostracized, undermined or harassed.

From No Straight News

When I came out two years ago I was so worried I’d be ostracized by my community or worse.

From Washington Blade

No, let us everywhere put down treason and ostracize traitors.

From Project Gutenberg

Did not the very persons whom he was serving ostracize him, in order that they might not hear his voice for ten years?

From Project Gutenberg

To hinder the unfolding truth, to ostracize whatever uplifts mankind, is of course out of the question.

From Project Gutenberg

They ostracize Aristides, simply because they are "tired of hearing him always called the Just."

From Project Gutenberg

Later a meeting of the citizens of Mobile proposed to ostracize those who refused to accept Confederate notes.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blackball
• blacklist
• exclude
• excommunicate
• expel
• shun
• snub