Excommunication: meaning, definitions and examples
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excommunication
[ˌɛkskəˌmjunɪˈkeɪʃən ]
Definitions
church punishment
The act of excommunicating or cutting off from the fellowship of the church. It is a severe ecclesiastical penalty that deprives the offender of the rights of church membership.
Synonyms
banishment, expulsion, ostracism.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| excommunication |
Officially being expelled from a religious community. Typically used in formal, religious contexts where a person is removed from membership in a church or religious group.
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| expulsion |
Being forced to leave an organization or institution, such as a school or club. It is often used in formal or official contexts.
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| banishment |
Being sent away from a place, often permanently, as a form of punishment. It can be used in both historical and fictional contexts.
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| ostracism |
Being deliberately excluded from a social group or community. It often implies a social rather than a formal exclusion and has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His excommunication from the church was a result of his controversial views.
- The excommunication was a harsh punishment for his actions.
social exclusion
The act of excluding or shunning someone from a social group or community. It is a form of disciplinary action to enforce conformity or punish disobedience.
Synonyms
alienation, ostracism, segregation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| excommunication |
Used in religious contexts when someone is officially excluded from participating in the religious community or its sacraments.
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| ostracism |
Refers to the act of excluding someone from a society or group, usually through social shunning or ignoring. This term has a negative connotation.
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| alienation |
Describes the feeling of being isolated or estranged from a group or an environment, often used in psychological or social contexts.
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| segregation |
Denotes the enforced separation of different racial, social, or other groups, often with a historical or legal implication.
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Examples of usage
- She faced excommunication from the group after the betrayal.
- The excommunication led to her feeling isolated and alone.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term has roots in Latin, combining 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'communicare' meaning 'to share' or 'to communicate'.
- Excommunication was a powerful tool used by religious institutions to maintain discipline and control over members.
- Certain events in history, like the Protestant Reformation, were significantly influenced by the practice of excommunication.
Religious Significance
- In Christianity, especially during the Middle Ages, being excommunicated meant being separated from the sacraments, crucial for salvation.
- Some sects may use excommunication as a final measure to protect their beliefs and community from perceived moral dangers.
- Excommunication can also serve as a call for repentance, urging the individual to return to the group’s values.
Cultural Impact
- Famous figures, such as Martin Luther, faced excommunication for challenging established church doctrines.
- Literature, such as Dante's 'Divine Comedy', often reflects themes of excommunication, showing the social and spiritual consequences of exclusion.
- Cultural practices surrounding excommunication vary, with some communities using it to enforce moral behavior and others to promote forgiveness and reintegration.
Psychological Aspects
- Experiencing excommunication can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, as individuals are cut off from their social networks.
- The fear of excommunication can discourage individuals from expressing dissenting opinions within a group.
- Psychological studies suggest that social exclusion, like excommunication, can impact one's sense of identity and belonging.
Modern Usage
- In contemporary society, excommunication can extend beyond religious contexts, applying to organizations and communities addressing misconduct.
- Some social media platforms have policies akin to excommunication, banning users who violate rules or community standards.
- The concept of excommunication can be found in modern discourses on cancel culture, discussing the public shaming and ostracization of individuals.
Translations
Translations of the word "excommunication" in other languages:
🇵🇹 excomunhão
🇮🇳 बहिष्कार
🇩🇪 Exkommunikation
🇮🇩 pengucilan
🇺🇦 відлучення від церкви
🇵🇱 ekskomunika
🇯🇵 破門 (はもん)
🇫🇷 excommunication
🇪🇸 excomunión
🇹🇷 aforoz
🇰🇷 파문 (破門)
🇸🇦 الحرمان الكنسي
🇨🇿 exkomunikace
🇸🇰 exkomunikácia
🇨🇳 逐出
🇸🇮 izobčenje
🇮🇸 útskúfun
🇰🇿 шіркеуден аластату
🇬🇪 ეკსკომუნიკაცია
🇦🇿 aforoz
🇲🇽 excomunión