What does ostracism mean?
Ostracism is the deliberate exclusion of a person from a social group, organization, community, or public life. It can involve ignoring someone, denying them participation, pressuring others to reject them, or formally banishing them from a political community. The word is often used in contexts involving social prejudice, professional reputation, schools, workplaces, and politics. Unlike a simple disagreement, ostracism implies a boundary being imposed around a person, often reinforced by the attitudes of a wider group. Its historical connection with the ancient Athenian practice of ostracism gives the modern expression a sense of exclusion severe enough to resemble political exile. The term is useful when discussing both interpersonal rejection and the social consequences of power, prejudice, or public condemnation.
nounThe practice or condition of excluding someone from a group, community, or social circle, especially by deliberately ignoring or rejecting them. In a political context, it can refer to the formal or informal use of exclusion as a form of punishment.
- Exclusion from a social group, community, or circle, especially through deliberate rejection or neglect.
- Political exclusion or banishment imposed through ostracism.
"After the allegations became public, the artist experienced years of professional ostracism."
"The policy of inclusion was introduced to prevent the ostracism of minority students."
"The former minister's proposals met with immediate political ostracism."
The plural is possible but uncommon; the word is normally used in the singular.
"The article examines the political ostracisms imposed on reform-minded officials."
The word derives from ancient Athens, where a vote of ostracism could send a political opponent into exile simply by writing his name on a pottery shard.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ostracism come from?
Ostracism comes from the Greek ostrakismos, a word associated with ostrakizein, meaning to ostracize or exile by vote. The underlying element is Greek ostrakon, a potsherd or pottery shard, because ancient Athenians wrote the names of those they wished to exile on shards of broken pottery. The English word entered general usage with reference both to that political institution and, more broadly, to exclusion from a group or community.
Related word forms
How ostracism is actually used
The term is usually formal and describes sustained or deliberate exclusion. It can refer to interpersonal rejection, institutional discrimination, or political banishment, but it does not necessarily imply a legally enforceable punishment.
Easily confused with ostracism
Ostracism names the state or practice of exclusion, while ostracize names the action of excluding someone from a group or community.