ostracism UK /ˈɒstɹəsɪz(ə)m/US /ˈɒs trəˌsɪz əm/ noun3 •Temporary exclusion from a community or society. •(figurative) Banishment by some general consent. •(historical) In ancient Athens (and some other cities), the temporary banishment by popular vote of a citizen considered dangerous to the state.Witnesse the Ostracisme amongst the Athenians, and the Petalisme among the Siracusans. — 1603 formsostracisms