ostracism
noun
os·tra·cism
ˈä-strə-ˌsi-zəm 
1
: a method of temporary banishment by popular vote without trial or special accusation practiced in ancient Greece
Ostracism of political opponents was a common practice in ancient Athens.
2
: exclusion by general consent from common privileges or social acceptance
For years she suffered ostracism from the scientific community.
Ostracism is a common fate for tell-all writers.—
R. S. Coburn
R. S. CoburnExamples of ostracism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dissenting opinion brings ostracism, loss of work and grants and friendships.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
But this ostracism has also been felt more widely across Israeli society, including among the large numbers of Israelis who oppose the war.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
In ancient humans and other primates, reputational damage can bar access to food and mates, incite physical confrontations and, in extreme cases, lead to potentially fatal ostracism.
—Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2025
Bans, booing and ostracism The labeling of Israel as a pariah state internationally does not seem to bother the government.
—Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostracism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
But this ostracism has also been felt more widely across Israeli society, including among the large numbers of Israelis who oppose the war.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
In ancient humans and other primates, reputational damage can bar access to food and mates, incite physical confrontations and, in extreme cases, lead to potentially fatal ostracism.
—Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2025
Bans, booing and ostracism The labeling of Israel as a pariah state internationally does not seem to bother the government.
—Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostracism
Cite this Entry
“Ostracism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ostracism. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ostracism
noun
os·tra·cism
ˈäs-trə-ˌsiz-əm
1
: a method of temporary banishment by popular vote without trial practiced in ancient Greece
2
: a general refusal to include someone as part of a social group
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share