Cold-shoulder

To deliberately ignore or treat someone in an unfriendly or dismissive way, often as a form of punishment or disapproval. This behavior involves a calculated withholding of warmth, attention, and communication, creating a sense of rejection and isolation. The intention is typically to make the recipient feel hurt, unwanted, or regretful. This can manifest in avoiding eye contact, refusing to speak, excluding someone from social activities, or generally acting as if the person doesn't exist or is unimportant. The practice varies in severity and purpose; the Cold-shoulder is used in various contexts, including friendships, family dynamics, and professional relationships.

Cold-shoulder meaning with examples

• After their disagreement, Sarah started to Cold-shoulder Mark at work. She avoided him in the hallways, didn't respond to his emails, and made a point of excluding him from team lunches. This blatant ignoring made the office atmosphere tense and uncomfortable, impacting their project's collaborative environment. The cold shoulder sent Mark's morale plummeting.
• During the family gathering, Emily received a Cold-shoulder from her sister, who was still upset about a past argument. Her sister wouldn't speak to her, wouldn't make eye contact, and subtly moved away whenever Emily approached. This passive-aggressive behavior left Emily feeling hurt and alienated, unable to mend the broken bonds. The Cold-shoulder made the dinner unpleasant.
• John gave his neighbor the Cold-shoulder after learning the man was the reason behind his dog going missing. He refused to acknowledge the man's presence when they passed on the street, and declined any friendly gestures. John's actions were a way to express his anger and show the depth of his disappointment. The Cold-shoulder was a form of emotional retaliation.
• The celebrity received a Cold-shoulder from their social circle after a controversial interview. Many of their famous friends stopped attending their parties, ignored their calls, and unfollowed them on social media. This deliberate exclusion was a message showing a disapproval of the celebrity's words. The Cold-shoulder led to the celebrities public downfall.