Cold-shouldered

The term 'cold-shouldered' describes a situation where someone is intentionally ignored or treated with deliberate unfriendliness. This behavior often involves a lack of warmth, communication, or acknowledgment, leaving the recipient feeling excluded, rejected, and possibly humiliated. It can manifest in various forms, from subtle avoidance and averted gazes to outright silence and dismissal. The intent is typically to signal disapproval, disdain, or displeasure. The actions can cause strong feelings of isolation, hurt, and rejection. The ostracism can be temporary or last for a long time, depending on the severity of the perceived transgression.

Cold-shouldered meaning with examples

• After their disagreement, Sarah felt completely cold-shouldered by her friends at the party. They avoided eye contact, didn't speak to her, and excluded her from conversations. The silent treatment left her feeling incredibly alone and unwanted, reinforcing her feeling of being excluded.
• The new employee was cold-shouldered by the established team members, who resented his rapid promotion. They failed to introduce him to the new projects, excluded him from company lunch, and ignored his emails, creating a hostile work environment for him.
• Following a family argument, the sibling was cold-shouldered by his family members during the holidays, and felt the pain of rejection in the midst of all the celebrations. They deliberately failed to acknowledge his presence, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere.
• The celebrity was cold-shouldered by her fans after her controversial political statement. Many unfollowed her on social media, ignored her appearances, and declined to participate in events, creating a noticeable distance.
• The government official was cold-shouldered by the foreign dignitaries at the summit, due to his country's new hostile policies. This lack of engagement further isolated the country on the global stage, damaging diplomatic ties.