I think you might be referring to the verb “other” (to treat or consider as different or alien). Here are some synonyms and their explanations:
1. Alienate
- Explanation: “Alienate” means to make someone feel isolated or estranged. For example, “His unfriendly behavior alienated his colleagues.” When you alienate someone, you are creating a sense of “otherness” by pushing them away or making them feel like they don’t belong. It emphasizes the negative impact on relationships and the sense of separation that results, similar to how the act of “othering” can lead to a division between groups or individuals.
2. Isolate
- Explanation: “Isolate” means to set apart or separate from others. For example, “The new policy was designed to isolate the non - compliant members.” It focuses on the physical or social separation of a person or a group. In the context of “othering,” isolating can be a way of emphasizing the difference between the in - group and the out - group, making the “others” stand alone and distinct.
3. Marginalize
- Explanation: “Marginalize” means to relegate or confine to a lower or outer limit, often in a social context. For example, “The minority group was marginalized and had limited access to resources.” This emphasizes the process of pushing a group or an individual to the periphery, making them seem less important or less relevant. The “marginalized” are treated as “others” and are not given the same status or opportunities as the dominant group.
4. Segregate
- Explanation: “Segregate” means to separate or divide into different groups, especially based on race, gender, or other characteristics. For example, “In the past, schools were used to segregate students based on their skin color.” Segregation is a more institutionalized form of “othering” that physically and socially divides people. It creates a clear distinction between the “us” and the “them” and enforces a separation that emphasizes the “otherness” of a particular group.
5. Exclude
- Explanation: “Exclude” means to shut out or keep out. For example, “They excluded him from the meeting because he didn’t belong to their department.” Excluding someone is a direct way of treating them as “others” by not allowing them to be part of a group or an activity. It emphasizes the boundary - drawing aspect of “othering” and the act of denying access or participation to those who are seen as different.