It simply means to "Disassociate", nothing more, unless the writer requests it. But from the JW viewpoint, it carries extra baggage, which I'll talk about below. Some things in the JW religion are symbolic by action; in other words things only mean something if it's formalized through action. .

For example:
When someone gets baptized, it symbolizes their dedication to Jehovah, even though that person previously dedicated themselves in prayer
When Adam an Eve ate from the forbidden tree, it symbolized their rebellion against Jehovah.
When a study wishes to become an unbaptized publisher, a letter of disassociation must be sent to their previous religion. (must cut ties even if belonging to a YMCA)
If that study is a registered voter, that study must write a letter to the appropriate agency wishing to be removed from the voter registration list.
A person can also disassociate them self by their actions if they've been inactive and the elders find out, such as registering to vote or by donating blood.
Finally, a person can formally withdraw from the congregation by means of a DA letter.
I can go on and on but you get the picture

Since the WT societies position is too shun those who are DF'ed or have formally DA'ed themselves, being shunned is simply part of the deal*. Of course, not every JW takes this hardline approach. For someone who has faded, the book is left open, as that person has simply fallen through the cracks. It's not likely this person will be shunned, as from the JW viewpoint, there is still hope for this person to come back. But for someone who has formally symbolized their withdrawal from the JW religion, whether by means of DA'ing or by DF'ing, no question is left by the WT society as how this person is to be treated, as this person has no hope other than if they come back on their own.

*The problem with this line of reasoning, is that the writer seldom ever wishes to be shunned. He wants out of the religion, but not deprived of his/her family. The JW religion makes no such provision (even if not to discuss spiritual matters). Many people have been blackmailed to remain JWs so they don't lose their families. This is completely incompatible with the supposed core of the religion, to serve God because they love him, when in fact that is not why they are still a JW. Simply put, this JW on the other site is trying to say that it's the writer's fault for being shunned, when in fact, the rules of being shunned come from the WT society (not even the bible)...

For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring. - Carl Sagan

Last Edited By: Askeptic1 Jul 21 10 11:58 AM. Edited 2 times.