Shun Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shun
[ʃʌn ]
Definitions
avoid
To shun means to persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something. It implies a deliberate decision to keep away from a person or thing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shun |
Used when deliberately keeping away from someone or something, often due to social avoidance or disapproval.
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| avoid |
Used when trying to prevent or stay away from something, typically to dodge a negative outcome or situation.
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| ignore |
Used when choosing to pay no attention to someone or something, often perceived as dismissive or rude.
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| reject |
Used when refusing to accept, consider, or agree to something, typically more formal and final than the other terms.
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Examples of usage
- He shunned all social events after his breakup.
- She shunned the spotlight and preferred to work behind the scenes.
- They shunned her ideas and refused to consider them.
moral condemnation
As a noun, shun refers to a state of being condemned or disregarded. It can imply social or moral disapproval.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shun |
Use when talking about intentionally avoiding or ignoring someone or something, often because of social or moral reasons.
|
| condemnation |
Use to express strong disapproval or criticism, often from a moral or ethical standpoint. It usually has a formal tone and is often used in serious contexts.
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| disapproval |
Use when expressing an unfavorable opinion or lack of support for someone or something. Often used in everyday contexts and can range from mild to strong disapproval.
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Examples of usage
- The shun from society left him isolated.
- She felt the shun of her peers after the scandal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Shunning can reflect deep-seated social dynamics, where individuals or groups might feel threatened by others.
- Studies show that being shunned can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness, highlighting the importance of belonging.
- It is often seen in social psychology as a form of ostracism, which can have long-lasting emotional effects on individuals.
Cultural Practices
- In some communities, shunning is a formal practice for dealing with members who break social or religious rules, like in certain Amish groups.
- Cultures may view shunning differently; in some, it serves as a means of maintaining social order while in others it is seen as cruel punishment.
- Ritualistic shunning has appeared in various societies as a way to enforce norms and values.
Literature
- Classic literary works often use the theme of shunning to explore the complexities of social relationships, as seen in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'.
- Characters that experience shunning often undergo significant transformations, influencing their roles in plot developments.
- The concept is prevalent in modern literature, reflecting contemporary societal issues related to acceptance and exclusion.
Origin of 'shun'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shun' comes from the Old English 'scunian', which means to 'avoid' or 'be afraid of'.
- It has connections to the Proto-West Germanic word 'skunō', which also meant to avoid.
- In the context of literature, it has been used to describe the act of social exclusion since the early 14th century.
The word 'shun' originated from the Old English word 'scunian', meaning to shun, avoid, or abhor. It has been used in English since the 12th century. The concept of shunning has historical roots in various cultures as a form of social or moral discipline.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,563, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 16560 smeared
- 16561 lamentable
- 16562 infringe
- 16563 shun
- 16564 reappear
- 16565 artifice
- 16566 intersected
- ...