Excommunication Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'excommunication'
The term 'excommunication' originated from the Latin word 'excommunicatio', which means 'putting out of communication'. It has been a form of punishment used by various religious institutions throughout history to maintain discipline and authority.