Ostracize for Dummies
verb
pronunciation: 'ɑstrə,saɪzWhat does Ostracize really mean?
Ostracize is a word that describes the act of excluding or isolating someone from a group or society. It means to intentionally keep someone out, just like when one is not invited to a party or left out of a game. Imagine you're at a lunch table with all your friends, but one person is purposely ignored and nobody talks to them or includes them in the conversation. That person is being ostracized.
So, if someone is ostracized, it means they are being rejected or ignored by a group of people. It's like they are being treated as if they don't exist or don't matter. This can be a very hurtful and painful experience for the person being ostracized, as they feel excluded and left out.
Ostracizing someone can happen for various reasons. It might be because others see that person as different, whether it is their appearance, belief system, or behavior. In a way, it's like putting up an invisible barrier between someone and the rest of the group. It's important to note that ostracism is not something that should be encouraged or praised, as it can have severe negative effects on a person's mental and emotional well-being.
Another important aspect of understanding the word "ostracize" is recognizing that it comes from the word "ostracism" in ancient Greece. In ancient Greece, there was a practice where citizens could vote to banish or exile a person from their city for ten years. This practice was called ostracism. It was a way for the community to remove someone they saw as a threat or undesirable without harming them physically. So, when we say someone is being ostracized today, we are using a word that has its roots in this historical practice in Greece.
To sum it up, "ostracize" means excluding or isolating someone from a group or society intentionally. It's like when you purposely leave someone out and make them feel like they don't belong. It comes from the word "ostracism" in ancient Greece, where people were banished from their city for ten years. So, next time you hear someone mention this word, you will know what it means and how impactful it can be on someone's life.
So, if someone is ostracized, it means they are being rejected or ignored by a group of people. It's like they are being treated as if they don't exist or don't matter. This can be a very hurtful and painful experience for the person being ostracized, as they feel excluded and left out.
Ostracizing someone can happen for various reasons. It might be because others see that person as different, whether it is their appearance, belief system, or behavior. In a way, it's like putting up an invisible barrier between someone and the rest of the group. It's important to note that ostracism is not something that should be encouraged or praised, as it can have severe negative effects on a person's mental and emotional well-being.
Another important aspect of understanding the word "ostracize" is recognizing that it comes from the word "ostracism" in ancient Greece. In ancient Greece, there was a practice where citizens could vote to banish or exile a person from their city for ten years. This practice was called ostracism. It was a way for the community to remove someone they saw as a threat or undesirable without harming them physically. So, when we say someone is being ostracized today, we are using a word that has its roots in this historical practice in Greece.
To sum it up, "ostracize" means excluding or isolating someone from a group or society intentionally. It's like when you purposely leave someone out and make them feel like they don't belong. It comes from the word "ostracism" in ancient Greece, where people were banished from their city for ten years. So, next time you hear someone mention this word, you will know what it means and how impactful it can be on someone's life.
Revised and Fact checked by Olivia Brown on 2023-10-29 14:28:35
Ostracize In a sentece
Learn how to use Ostracize inside a sentece
- In school, if some students deliberately ignore and avoid playing with one particular student, they are ostracizing that student.
- If a group of friends exclude someone from their activities and refuse to talk or interact with them, they are ostracizing that person.
- When someone is constantly left out of social events and not invited to parties or gatherings, they may feel ostracized.
- If a classmate spreads rumors about another classmate and everyone starts to avoid them, it is a form of ostracism.
- In a workplace, if colleagues isolate and ignore a coworker, not including them in conversations or team activities, they are ostracizing that individual.
Ostracize Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Ostracize Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.
Ostracize Hyponyms
Words that are more specific than the original word.