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
R. S. CoburnExamples of ostracism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What Research Says About Black Atheists and Agnostics Many Black secular professionals fear ostracism and judgment while networking.
—Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Women often fear that discovery of their complaints could lead to retaliation or social ostracism at home, fueled by the pervasive victim-blaming attitude in their communities.
—Nandita Shivakumar, Sourcing Journal, 20 Sep. 2024
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
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Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Women often fear that discovery of their complaints could lead to retaliation or social ostracism at home, fueled by the pervasive victim-blaming attitude in their communities.
—Nandita Shivakumar, Sourcing Journal, 20 Sep. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for ostracism
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Dictionary Entries Near ostracism
Cite this Entry
“Ostracism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ostracism. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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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
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