Ostracize

To ostracize means to exclude someone from a society, group, or community. This deliberate act of exclusion often involves shunning, isolating, or banishing an individual due to their behavior, beliefs, or association with a controversial issue. The purpose of ostracizing someone may vary; it can be a form of punishment, a means of social control, or a way to protect group cohesion. Ostracism can manifest in different ways, ranging from cold shoulders and silent treatment to more formal procedures such as expulsion from an organization. The severity of the ostracization often correlates with the perceived threat the individual poses to the group's norms or interests. Historically, ostracism has been practiced in various cultures, sometimes with devastating consequences for the individual targeted.

Ostracize meaning with examples

• Following his controversial statements on social media, the company decided to ostracize Mark, removing him from all promotional events. This action, intended to mitigate reputational damage, left Mark feeling isolated and betrayed. His colleagues were instructed to avoid contact, effectively rendering him persona non grata, and the situation deeply impacted his career.
• The villagers decided to ostracize the woman accused of witchcraft, isolating her within the community. She was refused service at local shops, and children were forbidden from speaking to her. This collective shunning resulted in the woman's profound loneliness and mental distress, forcing her to leave her home and seek refuge elsewhere.
• After the scandal, the celebrity was ostracized by the entertainment industry, his former friends abandoning him for fear of being associated with the controversy. He struggled to find work, his agent dropping him, and even his long-time sponsors cutting ties. The experience severely damaged his public image and financial stability.
• Due to his repeated violations of the school's code of conduct, the student was ostracized by his classmates, resulting in a decline in his academic performance. He sat alone at lunch, was excluded from social events, and his peers actively avoided him in the hallways. The isolation ultimately led to depression.