What is the closest meaning of the word "ostracize"?

The word "ostracize" means to exclude someone from a group or society, often as a form of punishment or disapproval. The closest meaning to "ostracize" is "banish," as both terms convey the idea of removing someone from a collective or denying them access to a community. When someone is ostracized, they are effectively being banished or cast out from social interactions or acceptance, which aligns closely with the definition of the word. The other options do not capture the essence of exclusion; for example, "vex" refers to causing annoyance or frustration, "remiss" implies neglecting responsibilities, and "alleviate" means to make something less severe or intense. None of these meanings relate to the act of excluding someone from a group, thus reinforcing why "banish" is the most accurate synonym for "ostracize."