Coventry, when used as a noun referring to a state rather than the well-known English city, signifies the state of being banished or ostracized. It describes a condition of deliberate social exclusion, where an individual is intentionally shut out or ignored by a group or society through general consensus.
Understanding the State of Coventry
The meaning of "Coventry" in this context points to a severe form of social isolation. It goes beyond mere neglect, implying an active and collective decision to exclude someone.
Key Aspects of Coventry (as a State):
- Banishment: This implies being forcibly or intentionally removed from a group or community.
- Ostracism: Refers to the act of excluding someone from society or a group by common consent, often without formal punishment but through social shunning.
- Exclusion: The general condition of being left out or denied participation.
These terms highlight that when someone is "sent to Coventry," they are not just forgotten but are actively and collectively ignored or alienated.
Synonyms for Coventry (as a State)
To further clarify its meaning, consider these closely related terms:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Banishment | Expulsion from a place or society. |
| Ostracism | Exclusion from a group or society by common consent. |
| Exclusion | The act of preventing someone from being included. |
The Idiom: "To Send Someone to Coventry"
The most common way this meaning of "Coventry" is encountered is through the idiom "to send someone to Coventry." This phrase means to deliberately ignore someone, refuse to speak to them, or exclude them from all social interaction. It's a form of social punishment or protest.
Practical Examples:
- In the workplace: If a colleague is being "sent to Coventry," it means their peers are refusing to communicate with them, leaving them out of discussions, and isolating them.
- Among friends: A group of friends might "send one of their own to Coventry" after a disagreement, collectively giving them the cold shoulder.
- In a community: If a person's actions are widely disapproved of, the community might collectively "send them to Coventry" by shunning them in public places and avoiding any interaction.
Historical Context
While the exact origin is debated, a popular theory traces the phrase "to send someone to Coventry" back to the English Civil War (17th century). It is believed that Royalist soldiers captured by Parliamentarian forces were sent to Coventry, a city with strong Parliamentarian sympathies. The townspeople were reportedly hostile towards the prisoners, refusing to speak to them or interact with them, effectively isolating them. This historical context illustrates the deep-seated meaning of social ostracism attached to the term.
In essence, "Coventry" in this context encapsulates a profound state of being socially isolated and deliberately ignored by collective agreement.
