Ostracism

/ˈɒs.tɹə.sɪz.əm/ noun

Definition

The act of excluding or shunning an individual from a social group, causing psychological pain similar to physical pain.

Etymology

From Greek 'ostrakismos' meaning 'banishment by voting with potsherds,' from 'ostrakon' (potsherd, tile).

Kelly Says

Ostracism is being deliberately left out — brain scans show social rejection activates the same pain centers as a physical injury!

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