ostracize etymology

Etymology:

• Greek "ostrakizein," meaning "to banish by ostracism"
• Derived from "ostrakon," a type of ceramic shard used in ancient Athens for voting in a process called ostracism

Meaning:

• To exclude or reject someone from a group or society, especially by general consent
• To subject someone to social isolation or disapproval

Origin:

Ostracism originated in ancient Athens, where it was a political practice used to banish citizens who were considered a threat to the stability of the state.

The process of ostracism involved the following steps:

1. A citizen would propose that a certain individual be ostracized.
2. The proposal would be discussed and voted on by the Assembly.
3. If a majority of citizens voted in favor of ostracism, the individual would be banished for 10 years.
4. The name of the ostracized individual would be written on an ostrakon (potsherd) and placed in a designated area in the Agora (marketplace).

Ostracism was originally intended as a temporary measure to protect the state from potential threats. However, over time, it became a tool for political manipulation and persecution. Prominent figures such as the philosopher Socrates and the general Aristides were ostracized due to their opposition to popular opinion.

The practice of ostracism declined in popularity during the 5th century BCE and was eventually abolished in Athens. However, the term "ostracize" has been used throughout history to describe the act of excluding or rejecting individuals from society.

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