English vocabulary · C1
Ostracize
/ˈɑːstrəsaɪz/ · v.
To ostracize someone is to shut that person out of a group. No one will speak to them or let them join, so they feel alone.
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Example sentences
- They ostracize me at lunch.
- Fear made neighbors ostracize her.
Word origin and roots
from Greek
- ostrakizein — send away (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- SHUN — stay away from someone (Avoid contact)
- EXCLUDE — leave someone out (Keep outside)
- REJECT — refuse someone or something (Refuse to accept)
Similar words
- shun
- exclude
- reject
- banish
- snub
Lesson notes
To ostracize someone is to shut that person out of a group. No one will speak to them or let them join, so they feel alone.
Related: shun, exclude, reject. Use ostracize when groups refuse you.
They ostracize me at lunch. Fear made neighbors ostracize her.
From Greek. Os-tra-kee-zine- means send away. Groups send away those they ostracize: one person now alone.