First Known Use: 1649
Dictionary
ostracize
verb os·tra·cize \-ˌsīz\
: to not allow (someone) to be included in a group : to exclude (someone) from a group
os·tra·cizedos·tra·ciz·ing
Full Definition of OSTRACIZE
transitive verb
1
: to exile by ostracism
2
: to exclude from a group by common consent
See ostracize defined for English-language learners
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Origin of OSTRACIZE
Greek ostrakizein to banish by voting with potsherds, from ostrakon shell, potsherd — more at oyster
Other Sociology Terms
Rhymes with OSTRACIZE
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OSTRACIZE Defined for Kids
ostracize
verb os·tra·cize \ˈä-strə-ˌsīz\
os·tra·cizedos·tra·ciz·ing
Definition of OSTRACIZE for Kids
: to shut out of a group <After I cheated, I was ostracized by the other players.>
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