Ostracized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
ostracized
[หษstrษsสษชz ]
Definition
social
Exclude (someone) from a society or group.
Synonyms
banish, blacklist, exclude, shun.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ostracized |
Used when someone is deliberately excluded from a group or society, often due to social or cultural reasons. This term carries a negative connotation.
|
| exclude |
A more general term used to indicate that someone or something is not included, often in casual or neutral contexts. It can be used in various situations without the strong negative connotation associated with 'ostracized' or 'banish'.
|
| shun |
Used when someone is deliberately avoided or ignored, usually in social or personal settings. This term suggests a conscious and ongoing effort to avoid someone, often with a negative connotation.
|
| banish |
Typically used when someone is forced to leave a place or community, often as a form of punishment or to maintain order. This word can have a historic or formal tone.
|
| blacklist |
Used when someone's name is added to a list of people or organizations that are to be avoided or not given certain opportunities. This term often appears in official or administrative contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He felt ostracized by his colleagues after the incident.
- The student was ostracized by her classmates for being different.
- The community ostracized the family for their controversial beliefs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Social Science
- Studies show that being ostracized can have serious effects on mental health, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression.
- Research suggests that the fear of being excluded can influence people's behaviors and decision-making in groups.
Literature
- In many novels, characters who are ostracized often undergo significant transformations, reflecting on their identity and societal values.
- Classic works like 'The Scarlet Letter' explore themes of ostracism, showcasing how societal judgment impacts individual lives.
History
- Ostracism played a crucial role in ancient democratic processes, demonstrating early forms of public accountability and control.
- In medieval times, being ostracized could lead to severe consequences, including loss of livelihood and social status.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Mean Girls' vividly illustrate the concept of ostracism in high school settings, highlighting the emotional struggles involved.
- Songs often touch on themes of being left out, capturing the universal experience of feeling ostracized in different social contexts.
Origin of 'ostracized'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek word 'ostrakon', meaning 'pottery shard', which was used in ancient Greece for voting to exclude someone.
- In ancient Athens, a process called 'ostracism' allowed citizens to vote to banish someone for a period, reflecting their power in society.
The word 'ostracize' originates from the Greek practice of ostracism, which was a method of temporary banishment by popular vote in ancient Athens. The term comes from the Greek word 'ostrakon', which means 'shell' or 'potsherd', as individuals were voted to be exiled by writing their names on pieces of broken pottery. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of exclusion or banishment from a social group.