pariah

[ puh-rahy-uh ]

noun

1. an outcast.
2. any person or animal that is generally despised or avoided.
3. none Pariah. a member of a low caste in southern India and Myanmar (Burma).

pariah

/ ˈpærɪə; pəˈraɪə /

noun

1. a social outcast
2. (formerly) a member of a low caste in South India

pariah

1. An outcast; a member of a low caste or class .

Notes

The word originally stems from the caste system of India, which put pariahs in a very low place in society. In the United States, it refers to those of low social class or social status .

Other Words From

• pa·riah·dom noun
• pa·riah·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pariah¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Tamil paṟaiyar, plural of paṟaiyan literally, “drummer” (from a hereditary duty of the caste), derivative of paṟai “festival drum”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pariah¹

C17: from Tamil paraiyan drummer, from parai drum; so called because members of the caste were the drummers at festivals

Example Sentences

The crown prince has never forgiven or forgotten Biden saying that Saudi Arabia needed to be made a pariah for its attitude to human rights.

From BBC

This is the story of a guilt-ridden high school English teacher, who after her role in the suicide of her gay husband, has become a sexual pariah.

From Los Angeles Times

“Pedro exists between these two archetypes: the immigrant who made it and the pariah,” the actor says on the phone from Mexico City.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the allegations surfaced, Depardieu has become a virtual pariah.

From BBC

The West has dubbed you a pariah for invading Ukraine.

From BBC

Related Words

• leper
• outsider
• persona non grata
• vagabond