Shunnings are instances where someone is intentionally avoided or excluded from social interactions. Synonyms for shunnings include ostracism, rejection, snubbing, avoidance, exclusion, shying away from, cold-shouldering, isolation, and ignoring. Each of these words denotes a level of social exclusion and are used interchangeably in different contexts. Ostracism, which dates back to ancient Greece, involves banishing someone from the community. Rejection is closely linked to ostracism and can vary from mild to severe hostility or aggression. Avoidance is a strategy used to distance oneself from a person or situation. Cold-shouldering involves ignoring someone purposely by refusing to speak or acknowledge their presence.