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Disgracing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜”
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disgracing

[dษชsหˆษกreษชsษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

losing respect

Disgracing refers to the act of causing someone to lose their reputation or honor. It often involves actions or events that lead to public shame or humiliation. The term can apply to both individuals and groups and is frequently associated with a significant moral failure or scandal. Being disgraced typically affects one's social standing and personal relationships, making it a serious term in discussions of ethics and behavior.

Synonyms

discrediting, dishonoring, humiliating, shaming.

Examples of usage

  • The scandal disgraced the politician.
  • He felt he was disgracing his family.
  • Her actions could disgrace the entire community.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Psychology

  • People often experience shame associated with disgrace, impacting their mental health and self-esteem.
  • Social norms dictate how disgrace affects relationships; it can lead to ostracization from peer groups.

Literature

  • Disgrace is a central theme in several classic novels, representing moral downfall or the consequences of one's actions.
  • In literature, characters facing disgrace often embark on journeys of redemption, exploring themes of forgiveness and change.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, public disgrace was often punished by shunning or exile, as seen in societies like ancient Rome.
  • In the medieval period, public shaming practices, like stocks, were used to disgrace wrongdoers in front of their community.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, scandals involving celebrities often lead to public disgrace, attracting significant media attention.
  • Many reality TV shows capitalize on the theme of disgrace as a form of drama, showcasing how public opinion can shift drastically based on actions.

Origin of 'disgracing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'desgracier', which means to take away grace or honor.
  • In early uses, it denoted a sense of losing respect or dignity in the eyes of others.

The term 'disgrace' comes from the Old French word 'desgracie', which means 'lack of grace' or 'loss of favor'. The prefix 'dis-' indicates a negation or reversal, while 'grace' refers to honor or esteem, derived from the Latin 'gratia'. Its usage dates back to the 14th century, where it initially described a state of being without favor or merit. Over centuries, 'disgracing' evolved to describe specific actions or behaviors that lead to such a state. The modern sense emphasizes the shameful nature of these actions, often highlighting the social consequences that follow.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,095, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.