verb
ostracize
Ostracize (verb) means to send someone out of a city for several years, as was done in ancient Athens.
verb
1
To send someone out of a city for several years, as was done in ancient Athens.
2
To leave someone out of a group deliberately, by ignoring them or refusing to speak to them.
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Etymology
From Ancient Greek ὀστρακίζω (ostrakízō, “to banish from a city by ostracism”), from ὄστρᾰκον (óstrăkon, “earthenware vessel; fragment of such a vessel, potsherd”) (from the fact that when voting was held to decide whether to banish people, their names were inscribed on potsherds) + -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō, suffix forming verbs)). The English word is cognate with French ostraciser.
Related words
Rhymes for ostracize
See all rhymes for ostracize →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of ostracize?
"ostracize" (verb) means to send someone out of a city for several years, as was done in ancient Athens.
What is another word for ostracize?
Other words for "ostracize" include ban, ostracise, blackball, banish, shun.
What are the different meanings of ostracize?
"ostracize" has 2 main meanings: 1. To send someone out of a city for several years, as was done in ancient Athens; 2. To leave someone out of a group deliberately, by ignoring them or refusing to speak to them.
