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shun

verb
\ ˈshən How to pronounce shun (audio) \
shunned; shunning

Definition of shun

transitive verb

: to avoid deliberately and especially habitually shuns publicity
Other Words from shun Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about shun

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Other Words from shun

shunner noun

Choose the Right Synonym for shun

escape, avoid, evade, elude, shun, eschew mean to get away or keep away from something. escape stresses the fact of getting away or being passed by not necessarily through effort or by conscious intent. nothing escapes her sharp eyes avoid stresses forethought and caution in keeping clear of danger or difficulty. try to avoid past errors evade implies adroitness, ingenuity, or lack of scruple in escaping or avoiding. evaded the question by changing the subject elude implies a slippery or baffling quality in the person or thing that escapes. what she sees in him eludes me shun often implies an avoiding as a matter of habitual practice or policy and may imply repugnance or abhorrence. you have shunned your responsibilities eschew implies an avoiding or abstaining from as unwise or distasteful. a playwright who eschews melodrama

Examples of shun in a Sentence

He shuns parties and social events. After his divorce he found himself being shunned by many of his former friends.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Better Red than expert Mainland institutions that once shunned the spotlight, notably the central government’s Liaison Office, are increasingly open in their lobbying. — The Economist, "China is using Kublai Khan’s methods to quell protests in Hong Kong," 29 Aug. 2019 The democracy advocates have agreed not to criticize the violent tactics of some of the younger protesters — a turnaround for many of the older activists, who have shunned violence since Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule in 1997. — Keith Bradsher, New York Times, "Beijing’s Hong Kong Strategy: More Arrests, No Concessions," 20 Aug. 2019 And The Big Bang Theory was totally shunned for its final season in all the major categories (including Jim Parsons, who has won four times previously). — James Hibberd, EW.com, "Emmy nominations biggest snubs and surprises," 16 July 2019 As a youth growing up in Milwaukee, Wade said gay boys were shunned. — James Causey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Taking the HIV medication PrEP is 90% effective. A new drive aims to get more gay black Milwaukee men on it.," 20 June 2019 What happens if, by expressing this doubt, you are shunned forever by your family, community, partner, and way of life? — Jacqueline Alnes, Longreads, "‘If Any of My Old Friends Are Reading This, It Is Okay Out Here.’," 8 June 2019 The move brings back a controversial center who spent the 2012-13 season with the Lakers before shunning the team in free agency. — Tania Gangulistaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "Lakers to sign Dwight Howard to a non-guaranteed contract," 23 Aug. 2019 Many shops burn their beans, which is what Botma tasted and made him shun the beverage. — Georgann Yara, azcentral, "Combination of signature coffee drinks, cocktails and food keep Provision Coffee buzzing day to night," 18 Aug. 2019 Mainstream pop culture has a history of shunning thick black women: Missy was out here exaggerating her figure in her introduction to most of the world. — Brian Josephs, Billboard, "Every Missy Elliott Music Video, Ranked," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shun.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of shun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for shun

Middle English shonen, shunnen, from Old English scunian

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More Definitions for shun

shun

verb
How to pronounce shun (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of shun

: to avoid (someone or something)

See the full definition for shun in the English Language Learners Dictionary

shun

verb
\ ˈshən How to pronounce shun (audio) \
shunned; shunning

Kids Definition of shun

: to avoid purposely or by habit He shunned noisy places.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shun

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with shun

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shun

Spanish Central: Translation of shun

Nglish: Translation of shun for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of shun for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shun

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