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Ostracizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ostracizing

[หˆษ‘ห.strษ™.saษชzษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social exclusion

Ostracizing is the act of deliberately excluding an individual or group from a social circle, community, or society at large. It often involves a conscious choice by the members of a group to ignore or reject someone, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Ostracism can be a form of social punishment and is often used to enforce conformity or control behavior within a group. The consequences of ostracizing can be severe and may impact an individual's mental health and sense of belonging.

Synonyms

exclusion, isolation, rejection, shunning.

Examples of usage

  • The student felt ostracized by his classmates for being different.
  • Ostracizing individuals in the workplace can lead to a toxic environment.
  • Social media has made it easier to ostracize people from discussions.
  • She experienced ostracizing after she spoke out against the group's policy.

Translations

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

Origin of 'ostracizing'

The term 'ostracizing' originates from the ancient Greek word 'ostrakizein', which means 'to banish' or 'to exclude'. This practice was notably used in Athens, where citizens could vote to exile someone from the city for a period of ten years, using a piece of pottery called an 'ostrakon' to cast their vote. The rationale behind this practice was to protect the state from potential tyrants or individuals who were seen as threats to democracy. Over time, the concept of ostracism has evolved beyond its original political connotation to refer to any form of social exclusion or rejection. It has been studied extensively in psychology and sociology, highlighting its effects on individuals and groups.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,593, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.