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Definition of ostracism

ostracism

/ˈɑːstrəsɪzəm/
os · tra · cism
Plural:ostracisms
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ostracism Lexical Profile

ostracism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The deliberate exclusion of an individual from a social group, community, or society by general consent.

Example

"Speaking out against the company's unethical practices resulted in her immediate social ostracism by upper management."

2

In ancient Greece, a political procedure in which citizens voted using inscribed potsherds to banish a prominent figure from the city-state for ten years.

Example

"Through the process of ostracism, Athenian citizens sought to prevent any single politician from gaining tyrannical power."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ostracism

• Nearby Words

osteoporosis
osteospermum
ostomy
ostracism
ostracize
ostracod
ostrava

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French ostracisme, from Ancient Greek ostrakismos, derived from ostrakon ('shell' or 'potsherd'). In ancient Athens, citizens voted to banish a public figure by scratching the person's name onto a broken piece of pottery.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ostracism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ostracism
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