ostracism

noun

os·​tra·​cism ˈä-strə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: a method of temporary banishment by popular vote without trial or special accusation practiced in ancient Greece

Ostracism of political opponents was a common practice in ancient Athens.

2

: exclusion by general consent from common privileges or social acceptance

For years she suffered ostracism from the scientific community.

Ostracism is a common fate for tell-all writers.

—R. S. Coburn

Examples of ostracism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In some ways, the ostracism seems like what she’s wanted, living proof of her thesis on the left’s growing intolerance. —Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2024

Hold off and risk ostracism from their smartphone-toting peers. —Jacqueline Nesi, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2024

Between the isolation of COVID, fears of school shooters, an overheating planet and social ostracism via their cell phones, the kids are not alright. —Gayle Forman, Peoplemag, 18 July 2024

Many students now hide their Jewish identity to have a more normal social life on campus, while others immerse themselves in the Jewish community to avoid ostracism. —Jeffrey Koseff, Washington Post, 8 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin ostracismus, borrowed from Greek ostrakismós, from ostrakízein "to ostracize" + -ismos -ism

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ostracism

noun

os·​tra·​cism ˈäs-trə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: a method of temporary banishment by popular vote without trial practiced in ancient Greece

2

: a general refusal to include someone as part of a social group