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Banished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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banished

[ˈbænɪʃt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

exile, removal

To banish someone is to officially order them to leave a place, typically as a punishment. This term conveys a sense of forceful removal and implies that the individual has no choice in the matter. Banishment can occur in various contexts, such as legal decrees, social ostracism, or even metaphorical exclusions from a group or society. Historically, banishment has been used as a severe form of punishment in many cultures, often alongside or as an alternative to imprisonment.

Synonyms

exile, expel, oust, remove.

Examples of usage

  • The king banished the traitor from the kingdom.
  • After the scandal, she felt banished from her social circle.
  • He was banished to a remote island for his crimes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, many kings and governments used banishment as a punishment for criminals, often exiling them to remote islands.
  • The famous Australian penal colony was established to banish convicts from Britain, leading to the founding of modern Australia.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo is banished from Verona, which leads to a series of tragic events.
  • In 'The Odyssey', Odysseus faces both physical and social banishment as he struggles to return home from the Trojan War.

Psychology

  • Banishment can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as social connections are severed.
  • When someone is banished from a group, it can be interpreted as a form of social punishment that deeply affects their mental well-being.

Pop Culture

  • In many fantasy stories and films, characters are often banished to dark lands or enchanted forests as part of their journeys.
  • The theme of banishment appears frequently in fairy tales, where characters are sent away due to curses or evil intentions.

Legal Implications

  • Banishment can sometimes serve as an alternative to imprisonment, allowing for a form of punishment without incarceration.
  • Many indigenous cultures had their own systems of banishment, which were often tied to community rules and ethics.

Origin of 'banished'

The word 'banished' originates from the Middle English term 'banisshen', which itself comes from the Old French 'banir'. This French word derived from the Latin 'banire', meaning 'to proclaim' or 'to command'. The roots of the term reflect its historical use in contexts where an authoritative figure would declare someone unwelcome in their domain or territory. Over centuries, the term has evolved but has consistently maintained its connotation of forced removal and expulsion. In various cultures, banishment has been a common practice to deal with offenders, often viewed as a remedy to protect society from perceived threats or wrongdoers. The complexity and gravity of banishment have made it a poignant theme in literature and folklore, symbolizing alienation and loss.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,792, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.