Definition of Shun
Quick Meaning of Shun
To keep away from someone or something on purpose; to deliberately avoid being near them.
Detailed Definition of Shun
To persistently avoid or stay away from someone or something, often deliberately.
How to Pronounce Shun
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One syllable: SHUN. The 'u' sounds like in 'cup' or 'run', not like 'moon'. Final 'n' is clear.
Watch out: Some learners say 'SHOON' (like 'shoe') or 'SHAWN'. Correct: SHUN (rhymes with 'sun', 'run', 'gun').
Origin and Etymology of Shun
From Old English 'scunian' (to abhor, avoid). Possibly from Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to shrink back'. Used in English since at least 9th century with consistent meaning of avoidance.
How to Use Shun in a Sentence
Each example shows “shun” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“After the scandal, many people shunned him and refused to associate with him.”
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“She has shunned public attention throughout her career, preferring privacy.”
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“The researcher shunned controversial topics to maintain her scientific credibility.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Shun
Common Synonyms for Shun
Smart Synonyms for Shun — When to Use Each
- avoid
- More general; can be passive or active
- eschew
- Very formal and literary; similar register to 'shun'
- elude
- Implies cleverly avoiding or escaping something
Antonyms of Shun
Common Collocations with Shun
These phrases pair with “shun” in everyday English:
- shun publicity
- shun someone
- shun controversy
- shun responsibility
- shun tradition
Common Mistakes When Using Shun
Even fluent speakers slip up with “shun”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She shunned to speak publicly.
- ✓ Correct: She shunned public speaking. / She shunned speaking publicly.
- Why: 'Shun' takes a noun or gerund object, not an infinitive. Use gerund (-ing) form.
- ✗ Wrong: He has shunned from the meeting.
- ✓ Correct: He shunned the meeting. / He stayed away from the meeting.
- Why: 'Shun' does not use 'from'. It takes a direct object. 'Stay away from' uses 'from'.
- ✗ Wrong: They shun the newcomer because strange accent.
- ✓ Correct: They shun the newcomer because of their strange accent. / They shun the newcomer because they have a strange accent.
- Why: After 'because', use 'of' with noun or add a verb clause. Incomplete clause is incorrect.
Other Forms of Shun
Frequently Asked Questions About Shun
What is the meaning of "Shun"?
To keep away from someone or something on purpose; to deliberately avoid being near them.
How do you pronounce "Shun"?
The IPA is /ʃʌn/. One syllable: SHUN. The 'u' sounds like in 'cup' or 'run', not like 'moon'. Final 'n' is clear.
What part of speech is "Shun"?
"Shun" is a verb at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Shun"?
Common synonyms include avoid, evade, eschew.
How do you use "Shun" in a sentence?
For example: "After the scandal, many people shunned him and refused to associate with him."