outcast
outcast Lexical Profile
outcast Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who has been rejected, ostracized, or driven out by their home, community, or society.
"Because of his unconventional scientific theories, he was treated as an outcast by his academic peers for decades."
• adjective
Rejected or ostracized by society or a social group; homeless and friendless.
"The novel chronicles the struggles of outcast youths trying to build a supportive community of their own."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'outcast' (a general term for any person rejected by society) with 'outcaste', a more specific historical or sociological term referring to someone who has been expelled from their Hindu caste or belongs to no caste.
• Rhymes for outcast
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English around the 14th century from the prefix 'out-' and the past participle of the verb 'cast' (from Old Norse 'kasta', meaning to throw), literally meaning 'one who has been thrown out'.