Definition

Excluded from a group or society, often as a form of punishment or social rejection.

Example

After the scandal, he felt ostracised by his former friends.

Conversation

Have you ever felt ostracised by a group?

Yeah, it can be really tough to deal with that kind of situation.

I can't imagine how lonely that must feel.

It really is, but talking about it helps a lot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ostracised → It is formed from "ostrakon" (Greek, meaning shell or potsherd) and the suffix "-ise" (meaning to make or become). The term 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 or to exile them.

Memory Tip

Imagine a shell ('ostrakon') being used to vote someone out, which helps you remember that 'ostracised' means to make someone an outcast.

Visually Confused Words