Sometimes, “ignoring” isn’t just forgetting to respond. It can be a deliberate choice, and sometimes requires a last message to someone who ignores you so you can find closure.
So, what’s a good word for ignoring someone on purpose? In this article, we’ll explore different ways to describe that very specific act.
Shun
To shun someone is to deliberately ignore them, often for a long time. Shunning implies that you’re actively avoiding the person and excluding them from your life and activities.
For example:
- “The former cult member was shunned by their community.”
- “After the argument, she shunned him for weeks.”
Shunning is more severe than just ignoring someone for a few minutes. It’s intentional and sustained.
Snub
To “snub” someone means to rebuff, ignore, or treat them with disdain. A snub is a deliberate, often noticeable, slight. It’s more active than passively ignoring someone.
For example:
- “He snubbed her by not acknowledging her greeting.”
- “The politician snubbed the reporter’s question.”
A snub is an active rejection, making it a pretty rude way to ignore someone.
Give the cold shoulder
To “give the cold shoulder” means to deliberately ignore someone or to treat them in a very unfriendly way. It implies that you used to have a warmer relationship with the person that has now cooled off.
For example:
- “She gave him the cold shoulder after she found out he lied.”
- “He’s been giving me the cold shoulder ever since our disagreement.”
The idiom suggests intentional aloofness and disregard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the word for intentional ignoring?
Several words can describe intentionally ignoring someone, depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. “Snubbing” implies a deliberate and often rude act of ignoring someone, suggesting a rejection or slight. “Ostracizing” suggests a more severe form of exclusion, where someone is deliberately excluded from a group or social circle. “Shunning” is similar to ostracizing but often carries religious or ethical connotations, indicating a formal and often permanent exclusion from a community. “Disregarding” is a more neutral term, simply meaning to pay no attention to someone or something, but it can imply intentional ignoring if the context suggests a deliberate choice to ignore. “Dismissing” implies treating someone as unimportant or unworthy of consideration, which can manifest as intentional ignoring.
What is the word for purposefully ignoring?
Similar to “intentional ignoring,” “purposefully ignoring” can be described by several words. “Deliberately ignoring” is a straightforward synonym. “Willfully ignoring” suggests a stubborn or defiant refusal to acknowledge someone. “Calculatedly ignoring” implies a strategic or manipulative motive behind the act of ignoring. “Consciously ignoring” highlights the awareness and intent behind the action. The best word to use depends on the specific reason and manner in which someone is being purposefully ignored.
What is a word for deliberately ignore?
As noted above, words to describe deliberately ignoring include snub, disregard, dismiss, and shun. Also consider: “slighting,” which means to insult someone by treating or speaking about them without proper respect or attention. “Cutting off” means to abruptly end contact or communication with someone, which effectively ignores them. The most fitting word will depend on the particular situation and the degree of intentionality and negativity involved.
Putting It All Together
We’ve covered several words to describe intentionally ignoring someone, including “shun,” “snub,” and “give the cold shoulder.” But is my ex ignoring me a good sign? Don’t obsess, do this. Each word carries a slightly different connotation, so the best one depends on the situation and the message you want to convey.
Ignoring someone can have negative consequences, like when someone is experiencing a mental health episode, but is it immature to ignore your ex? It sometimes actually works. However, ignoring antisocial behavior can sometimes be effective.