Definition

To exclude someone from a group or society, often as a form of punishment or social rejection.

Example

After the scandal, he was ostracised by his friends and colleagues.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard they might ostracise him from the group for that mistake.

Really? That's pretty harsh, don't you think?

Yeah, I feel bad for him; it’s not like he did it on purpose.

Exactly, everyone makes mistakes sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ostracise → It is formed from "ostrakon" (Greek, meaning shell or potsherd) and the suffix "-ize" (meaning to make or to render). The word originally referred to the practice in ancient Athens of voting to exile a citizen by writing their name on a piece of pottery, thus meaning to make someone an outcast.

Memory Tip

Imagine writing a name on a shell ('ostrakon') to send someone away — that's how ostracise means to exclude or make someone an outcast.

Visually Confused Words