shunned

Shunned is an adjective describing a person or group that has been deliberately avoided or rejected by others or by a community. The verb “to shun” means to deliberately avoid or reject; “shunned” denotes having been subjected to that treatment. In use, the term often signals social sanction rather than a legal penalty and can range from mild disapproval to formal exclusion.

In social science, shunning is closely related to concepts such as ostracism, social exclusion, and excommunication. It can be informal, arising from interpersonal or group norms, or formal, enacted by a community, organization, or religious body as a sanction or boundary-setting. Forms of shunning may include avoidance of communication, denial of participation in activities, or withdrawal of membership rights. The duration can be temporary or prolonged, and the motivation may involve perceived transgressions, conformity pressure, or the maintenance of group cohesion.

The effects of being shunned can be significant and varied. Individuals may experience loneliness, lowered self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. The experience can also trigger coping strategies, behavior change, or withdrawal from social networks. The impact often depends on the intensity and duration of the shunning, as well as the context and support available to the person or group involved.

Historically and in contemporary settings, shunning appears in religious communities, social groups, workplaces, and online communities. It raises ethical questions about coercive social control, rights of association, and the balance between collective norms and individual welfare. See also: ostracism, excommunication, disfellowshipping, social exclusion.