ostracism

Ostracism is defined as the act of excluding someone from a group.

(noun)

When one kid in the class is never invited to parties or allowed to sit with the others at lunch, this is an example of ostracism.

See ostracism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

in ancient Greece, the temporary banishment of a citizen by popular vote
a rejection or exclusion by general consent, as from a group or from acceptance by society

Origin: Gr ostrakismos < ostrakizein: see ostracize

See ostracism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The act of banishing or excluding.
b. Banishment or exclusion from a group; disgrace.
In Athens and other cities of ancient Greece, the temporary banishment by popular vote of a citizen considered dangerous to the state.

Origin:

Origin: French ostracisme

Origin: , from Greek ostrakismos

Origin: , from ostrakizein, to ostracize; see ostracize

Learn more about ostracism

ostracism synonyms

ostracism in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box