Ostracizing a service member who has reported a criminal offense is an example of what term?

• A. Retaliation
• B. Ostracism
• C. Reprisal
• D. Harassment

Answer: (A)

Retaliation describes taking punitive or adverse action against someone because they engaged in a protected activity, such as reporting a criminal offense. Ostracizing a service member fits this idea because the social exclusion is a punitive response to their decision to come forward with information about a crime. While ostracism specifically describes being left out or shunned, and harassment refers to ongoing unwanted conduct, the scenario centers on a punitive reaction to the act of reporting, which best fits the concept of retaliation. Reprisal is similar in meaning but is often used in more formal or official contexts; in everyday terms, retaliation is the most direct label for this behavior.