What does shun mean?
To shun is to deliberately avoid someone or something, especially when doing so reflects a considered preference, moral judgment, or strong dislike. The word often implies more than simple lack of interest: a person who shuns public attention may actively avoid it, while a person who shuns certain foods, habits, or social groups refuses to engage with them. Because “shun” can suggest disapproval or unease, it may carry a more serious or formal tone than “avoid.” It is widely used in both British and American English and appears in established expressions such as “shun the spotlight.” In its clearest use, the word describes a deliberate refusal to associate with, participate in, or acknowledge something unwanted. That sense makes it especially effective for describing social choices, ethical positions, personal habits, and public behavior, while also giving it a memorable association with avoidance and self-discipline.
verbTo deliberately avoid or refuse to associate with someone or something. It can also mean to reject or steer clear of something considered undesirable.
- To deliberately avoid someone or something.
- To reject or refuse to accept something because it is considered objectionable or undesirable.
"She preferred to shun the spotlight and let her work speak for itself."
"Many migrating birds shun the brightest artificial lights near their flight paths."
"The company shuned aggressive expansion and focused on strengthening its existing products."
To shun is to make avoidance a principle: the person or thing is not merely unwanted but actively kept at a distance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shun come from?
The word descends from Old English shunian, associated with fleeing from or avoiding something, and continued in Middle English in forms such as shunnen. Its deeper Germanic ancestry is not entirely certain, although the word has relatives in other Germanic languages, including German scheuen. Modern English has narrowed the older emphasis on avoidance or flight toward the more deliberate sense of refusing to associate with or accept something.
Related word forms
How shun is actually used
The word is somewhat formal and conveys deliberate avoidance, often with a suggestion of distaste, disapproval, or moral concern. It is usually transitive and is stronger than simply saying someone does not prefer something.
Easily confused with shun
To shun is to avoid something deliberately, whereas to stun is to knock someone or something into a dazed or motionless state.