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Shunning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shunning

[ˈʃʌnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Shunning is the act of deliberately avoiding or ignoring someone. It is a form of social rejection or ostracism.

Synonyms

avoidance, ignoring, ostracism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shunning

This term is often used when someone is deliberately excluded or rejected by a group, typically for moral or social reasons. It often has a strong emotional or ethical connotation.

  • The community's shunning of the man was based on his unethical actions.
  • After the scandal, she faced shunning from her peers.
avoidance

This is a general term used when someone simply steers clear of a person, situation, or activity, often to prevent discomfort or conflict. It doesn't necessarily carry a strong negative connotation.

  • His avoidance of confrontation made it difficult to resolve the issue.
  • She practiced avoidance by not attending the party.
ignoring

This word is used when someone intentionally chooses not to pay attention to a person or thing. It can be seen as rude or dismissive, but it doesn't involve a group consensus.

  • He kept ignoring her calls and messages.
  • The manager was ignoring the complaints from his team.
ostracism

This term is used to describe a more formal or institutionalized exclusion of someone from a group or society. It often has a historical or sociological context and can be very severe.

  • In ancient Greece, ostracism was a common practice to exile unwanted politicians.
  • His behavior led to his ostracism from the professional community.

Examples of usage

  • Her former friends practiced shunning after she spoke out against their beliefs.
  • The community engaged in shunning as a way to enforce conformity.
Context #2 | Verb

social interaction

To shun means to persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone. It can involve deliberate avoidance or refusal to acknowledge someone's presence.

Synonyms

avoid, ignore, reject.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shunning

Used when intentionally keeping away from someone or something, often because of strong disapproval or social pressure. Typically used in more formal or serious contexts.

  • The community is shunning him because of his controversial beliefs.
  • People are shunning contact with the infectious individual.
avoid

Used when trying to stay away from someone or something, either for convenience, safety, or personal preference. It's more neutral and can be used in everyday situations.

  • I avoid driving during rush hour.
  • He tries to avoid talking about his past.
ignore

Used when deliberately paying no attention to someone or something. It often implies a conscious decision to disregard, and can sometimes carry a negative or rude connotation.

  • She decided to ignore his texts.
  • The manager chose to ignore the frequent complaints.
reject

Used when actively refusing to accept, believe, or consider someone or something. It's more direct and potent, often involving a clear decision.

  • He rejected the job offer because of the low salary.
  • They rejected her application for the scholarship.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to shun her ex-boyfriend after their breakup.
  • He was shunned by his colleagues for his controversial opinions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Social Dynamics

  • Shunning can be a form of social control, discouraging behaviors that a community deems unacceptable.
  • This practice can lead to feelings of isolation for the person being shunned.
  • Communities like the Amish use shunning as a way to maintain group values and cohesion.

Psychology

  • Experiencing shunning can lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, due to the loss of social support.
  • The psychological impact can linger, affecting future relationships and trust in others.
  • Research shows that being shunned activates the same areas in the brain as physical pain.

Literature

  • Shunning is a common theme in classic literature, often depicted as a way characters face the consequences of their actions.
  • In Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter,' the protagonist experiences social shunning after her moral transgressions.
  • Many modern novels explore the complexities of shunning through different character perspectives, highlighting its emotional weight.

Cultural Practices

  • Various cultures employ shunning as a means of promoting conformity and discouraging deviant behavior.
  • In some Indigenous communities, shunning can help restore harmony by encouraging individuals to reflect on their actions.
  • The concept is also evident in social movements, where individuals may shun companies or figures associated with wrongdoing.

Origin of 'shunning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shun' comes from the Old English 'sconnian,' meaning to avoid or flee from.
  • It has roots in Germanic languages, emphasizing the idea of avoidance.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved into 'shun,' often used to describe avoiding bad habits or negative situations.

The term 'shunning' has roots in Old English and Middle English, where it originally meant to abominate or detest. Over time, it evolved to signify the act of avoiding or ignoring someone as a form of social punishment. Shunning has been observed in various cultures and societies throughout history as a means of enforcing social norms and conformity.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,933, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.