shun
UK[ʃʌn]US[ʃʌn]
v
To deliberately avoid or keep away from someone or something.
Etymology
The verb 'shun' originates from the Old English word 'scunian', meaning "to avoid, shun, or escape from." Its earlier roots are obscure but likely stem from a Germanic base. The word has maintained a remarkably consistent core meaning of deliberate avoidance throughout its history, from its use in Middle English to its modern application. This semantic stability reflects a fundamental and enduring human social behavior, making 'shun' a direct linguistic descendant describing a specific form of rejection or ostracism.
Analysis
The word 'shun' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It functions as a single, indivisible lexical unit.
Examples
She decided to shun all social media for a month.
He was shunned by his former colleagues after the scandal.
Many animals instinctively shun bright lights and loud noises.