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Dictionary definition of ostracize

To isolate or deliberately exclude someone from a group, community, or society.
"They chose to ostracize him from the group after he betrayed their trust."

Detailed meaning of ostracize

When individuals or a group ostracize someone, they effectively shun or banish that person, often as a form of punishment, disapproval, or social rejection. Ostracism can manifest in various ways, such as ignoring, avoiding, or refusing to engage with the individual being targeted. This exclusionary behavior can occur for a variety of reasons, including differences in beliefs, social status, or perceived misconduct. Ostracizing can have significant emotional and psychological consequences for the person being excluded, as it can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation. The term 'ostracize' originates from ancient Greece, where citizens would cast votes to decide who should be banished from the city-state for a specified period.

Example sentences of ostracize

1. The community members threatened to ostracize anyone who disagreed with their views.
2. The clique decided to ostracize the new student, making her feel unwelcome.
3. The company's unethical practices led to them being ostracized by the industry.
4. The team captain threatened to ostracize any player who didn't conform to their strict rules.
5. The social media campaign aimed to ostracize individuals who exhibited discriminatory behavior.
6. The community decided to ostracize the shop owner for their exploitative practices.

History and etymology of ostracize

The verb 'ostracize' has an intriguing etymology that harkens back to ancient Greece. Its roots lie in the Greek word 'ostrakon,' which referred to a shard or fragment of pottery. In the Athenian democracy of the 5th century BC, citizens would cast their votes by writing the name of a person they wanted to exile on such pottery shards. If a particular individual received a sufficient number of votes, they would be ostracized, essentially banished from the city for a period of ten years. This practice aimed to prevent the rise of tyrants and maintain the balance of power. Over time, the term 'ostracize' evolved to signify the act of deliberately excluding or isolating someone from a group, community, or society, reflecting its historical roots in the practice of ancient Athenian democracy.

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Further usage examples of ostracize

1. They were willing to ostracize long-time friends in order to uphold their principles.
2. The controversial artist was ostracized by the art community for their provocative work.
3. The school administration warned the students that they would ostracize bullies.
4. The influential leader used their power to ostracize dissenting voices.
5. The political party vowed to ostracize politicians who engaged in corrupt practices.
6. The online forum would often ostracize users who violated their community guidelines.
7. The town's residents made a collective decision to ostracize the accused criminal.
8. The company's discriminatory policies caused them to be ostracized by potential customers.
9. The religious group would ostracize members who questioned their doctrine.
10. The tight-knit neighborhood would ostracize anyone suspected of criminal activity.
11. The community rallied together to ostracize the individual responsible for the environmental damage.
12. The celebrity's scandalous behavior led to them being ostracized by their peers.
13. The members of the club threatened to ostracize anyone who leaked confidential information.
14. The schoolyard bully tried to ostracize the new student.
15. They decided to ostracize the troublemaker from their group.
16. The clique's members would often ostracize outsiders.
17. It's wrong to ostracize someone just because they're different.
18. The gossip caused the community to ostracize the family unfairly.
19. The team chose not to ostracize the struggling player.
20. The exclusionary behavior aimed to ostracize him from the team.
21. Her refusal to conform led others to ostracize her.
22. The society's rigid rules often led to ostracizing individuals.
23. They didn't want to ostracize anyone, so they welcomed all.
24. We should work together and not ostracize those in need.