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Definition of ostracize

ostracize

/ˈɑːstrəsaɪz/
(UK: ostracise)
os · tra · cize
Adjective:ostracized
•
Past Simple:ostracized
•
Past Participle:ostracized
•
Present Participle:ostracizing
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ostracize Lexical Profile

ostracize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To deliberately exclude or banish someone from a group, community, or society by general consent.

Example

"The whistleblower feared that her colleagues would ostracize her once the audit report became public."

2

To banish a citizen from a city for a set period by popular vote (in ancient Greece).

Example

"The Athenian assembly voted to ostracize the ambitious general for ten years to preserve democratic stability."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ostracize

• Nearby Words

osteospermum
ostomy
ostracism
ostracize
ostracod
ostrava
ostrich

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek 'ostrakizein' (to banish by voting with potsherds), derived from 'ostrakon' (clay potsherd or shell). In ancient Athens, citizens voted to exile a politically dangerous figure for ten years by scratching the person's name onto broken pieces of pottery.

Cite this Entry

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