Word
'shun
Phoneticsshun
US/ˈʃən/
UK/ʃˈʌn/
Definition
v. to avoid someone or something on purpose. You do this because you do not like them, you do not agree with them, or you are trying to stay away from trouble.
v. to persistently avoid, ignore, or reject through antipathy or caution. Often implies a social or moral rejection of a person, group, or practice.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “'shun” in context.
Verb
01. shun all forms of violence
“The organization requires its members to shun all forms of violence.”
verb + noun + of + noun
02. shun modern technology
“Some communities choose to shun modern technology to preserve their ancestral way of life.”
verb + adj + noun
03. shun the company of others
“After the scandal, he began to shun the company of others and lived as a recluse.”
verb + noun + of + noun
Adverb
04. actively shun the limelight
“Despite her fame, the author actively shuns the limelight and rarely gives interviews.”
adv + verb + noun
05. consistently shun traditional methods
“The tech startup consistently shuns traditional methods in favor of radical innovation.”
adv + verb + noun
06. deliberately shun social media
“Many young professionals are deliberately shunning social media to improve their mental health.”
adv + verb + noun
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“For a few years, from 27, they shunned the “huge part of the job” that is constantly taking selfies with fans.” “SpaceX shunned the conventional boxy satellite designs pretty much everyone else has used for more than a half-century.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/shun