ostracised

Ostracised is a term used to describe the act of excluding or banishing a person from a group, society, or community. This exclusion can be informal, such as being ignored or shunned by friends, or formal, as in the ancient Athenian practice of ostracism. In ancient Athens, citizens would vote to temporarily banish a prominent individual from the city for ten years if they were perceived as a threat to democracy or stability. This was done by writing the person's name on a pottery shard, known as an ostracon.

The reasons for ostracising someone can vary widely. They might include perceived social transgressions, political disagreements, religious differences, or even unfounded rumors. In modern contexts, ostracism can manifest in workplaces, schools, families, and online communities. It can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a decline in mental well-being for the person being excluded. The act of ostracism is a powerful social mechanism that reinforces group norms and can serve to punish individuals who deviate from them. While ancient ostracism had a specific legal and political purpose, modern ostracism is often more fluid and less defined, but its impact on the individual can be equally profound. The term itself derives from the Greek word "ostrakon."