ostracized crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "ostracized crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
EXILED: Meaning to be banished or driven out, often from one's native country or home. This fits the core concept of being ostracized.
6 Letters
PARIAH: Refers to an outcast; a person who is rejected or avoided by others. While a noun, it directly describes someone who has been ostracized and is a common crossword answer for similar clues.
7 Letters
SHUNNED: To be persistently avoided, ignored, or rejected by others. This is a very direct synonym for ostracized, often used in social contexts.
8 Letters
BANISHED: To be sent away from a country or place by official order as a punishment, or more broadly, to be expelled from a community. Very close to the meaning of ostracized, especially in formal or group settings.
9 Letters
FROZENOUT: To be excluded from a group or activity, often in a deliberate and unfriendly manner; boycotted. This informal term perfectly captures the feeling and action of being ostracized.
More About "ostracized crossword clue"
The term "ostracized" originates from ancient Greece, specifically from a practice in Athens where citizens could vote to banish a person from the city for ten years by writing their name on a pottery shard called an ostrakon. This historical context gives the word its deep meaning of being excluded or cast out by a community, often for social or political reasons.
In modern usage, "ostracized" implies social exclusion, whether subtle or overt. It can mean being ignored, avoided, or made to feel unwelcome within a group, workplace, or even family. Understanding this nuance helps in solving crosswords, as the clue might point to different degrees or methods of exclusion.
Crossword setters frequently use synonyms and related concepts when cluing "ostracized." This requires solvers to have a broad vocabulary related to social rejection, banishment, and isolation. Recognizing these connections is key to finding the correct answer, no matter the letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "ostracized," think about the subtle differences between being 'exiled' (forced removal), 'shunned' (ignored by choice), or a 'pariah' (an outcast). Each implies a slightly different form of exclusion, which might point to a specific answer.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters. This is the single most important constraint in crosswords. An answer like 'EXILED' won't fit if the puzzle needs an 8-letter word, even if the meaning is close.
- Look for Part of Speech: Is the clue looking for a verb (e.g., 'shunned,' 'banished'), or a noun describing the person who is ostracized (e.g., 'pariah,' 'outcast')? This can narrow down your options significantly.
- Think of Context: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or a theme can hint at whether the exclusion is physical, social, or emotional. Broaden your thinking beyond just direct synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ostracized' mean in the context of a crossword?
In crosswords, 'ostracized' typically refers to being excluded, cast out, or shunned by a group or society. Answers will often be synonyms like EXILED, BANISHED, or SHUNNED, or terms for people who are outcast, such as PARIAH.
Are there common synonyms for 'ostracized' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms found in crosswords for 'ostracized' include BANISHED, EXILED, SHUNNED, REJECTED, ISOLATED, OUTCAST, PARIAH, and sometimes more informal phrases like FROZEN OUT or GIVEN THE COLD SHOULDER.
How can I improve my vocabulary for 'social exclusion' clues?
To improve for 'social exclusion' clues, focus on verbs and nouns related to being rejected, isolated, or expelled. Regularly reading diverse materials, using a thesaurus, and reviewing past crossword puzzles with similar themes can help broaden your mental dictionary for these types of clues.