Disgraced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disgraced

[dษชsหˆษกreษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling ashamed or unworthy due to a wrongdoing

Disgraced refers to the feeling of shame and unworthiness that comes from being involved in a wrongdoing or scandal. It is often associated with a loss of respect, honor, or reputation.

Synonyms

ashamed, dishonored, humiliated, shamed.

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Word Description / Examples
disgraced

Used when someone has lost respect or reputation due to inappropriate behavior or actions. It often implies a public fall from grace.

  • The politician was disgraced after the corruption scandal.
  • The company was disgraced by the financial fraud.
ashamed

Describes a feeling of guilt or embarrassment over one's actions or behavior, typically more personal and internal rather than due to public opinion.

  • She felt ashamed for lying to her friend.
  • He's ashamed of how he treated his parents.
dishonored

Used to indicate a loss of honor or respect, often related to family or cultural values. It can also imply breaking promises or moral codes.

  • He dishonored his family by breaking the ancient traditions.
  • The soldier was dishonored for desertion.
humiliated

Describes a situation where someone feels extremely embarrassed or ashamed, often due to being degraded or made to feel inferior in front of others. It has a negative connotation.

  • She was humiliated by the public criticism.
  • He felt humiliated after failing the interview.
shamed

Indicates that someone is made to feel shame, often through criticism or public exposure. It can describe both personal feelings and actions done by others to induce shame.

  • She was shamed into apologizing for her mistakes.
  • He shamed his rival by revealing the truth.

Examples of usage

  • He felt disgraced after the scandal was exposed.
  • The disgraced politician resigned from office.
  • She carried the burden of a disgraced family name.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Perception

  • In many cultures, being disgraced can lead to social ostracism, where the person may be shunned or excluded from community activities.
  • Shakespeare often explored themes of disgrace in his plays, portraying characters whose moral failings lead to their downfall.
  • In modern society, public figures faced with disgrace can see rapid backlash, affecting their careers and personal lives significantly.

Psychology

  • Experiencing disgrace can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, prompting individuals to seek forgiveness or redemption.
  • Research shows that public disgrace can cause long-lasting effects on an individual's mental health, including anxiety and depression.
  • The social stigma surrounding disgrace can inhibit personal growth, as people may fear judgment when trying to recover from their mistakes.

Literature

  • In Joseph Conrad's novel 'Heart of Darkness', the concept of disgrace is explored through characters who face moral dilemmas.
  • Many classic novels portray characters grappling with disgrace, illustrating a journey of redemption and the quest for honor.
  • The theme of disgrace is prevalent in tragic narratives, highlighting the fragile nature of human pride and reputation.

Media

  • Social media can amplify the effects of disgrace, where public opinion can shift rapidly, leading to 'cancel culture' phenomena.
  • Celebrity scandals often involve themes of disgrace, sparking public debate about morality and accountability.
  • Television dramas frequently depict characters facing disgrace as a key plot point, reflecting societal views on morality and redemption.

Origin of 'disgraced'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'disgrace' comes from Old French 'desgraciรฉ', meaning ungrateful or without favor.
  • It combines the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', with 'grace', indicating the loss of favor or kindness.
  • The term has been in use since the late 14th century, reflecting cultural values around respect and honor.

The word 'disgraced' has its origin in the Middle English word 'disgracen', which means 'to bring into disfavor'. It evolved from the Old French word 'desgracier' and ultimately from the Latin 'dis-' (away, apart) and 'gratia' (favor, grace). The concept of disgrace has been present throughout history in various cultures, often associated with moral or ethical transgressions.


See also: disgrace, disgraceful, disgracefully, grace, graceful, gracefully, gracefulness, gracious, ungraceful, ungracefully, ungracefulness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,381, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.