Dishonor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dishonor

[dɪsˈɒn.ər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a negative context

Lack of respect or prestige; loss of honor or reputation. It is the opposite of honor and is often associated with shame or disgrace.

Synonyms

disgrace, dishonour, humiliation, shame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dishonor	Used when talking about a loss of respect or trust due to an action considered morally wrong or unethical. Common in formal or solemn situations. He brought dishonor to his family by committing the crime The soldiers faced court-martial for dishonor in battle
disgrace	Implies a more public and severe loss of respect or status. Often used when someone’s actions lead to them being scorned by society. The athlete fell into disgrace after being caught using performance-enhancing drugs She faced public disgrace for her involvement in the scandal
shame	Refers to the painful emotion that comes from being aware of having done something wrong or foolish. Can be used in both private and public contexts but focuses more on internal feelings. She couldn’t shake off the shame of lying to her best friend He lived with the shame of his past mistakes
humiliation	Focuses on the personal feeling of being deeply embarrassed and belittled. This word is often used in more personal and emotional contexts. He felt deep humiliation when he was laughed at by his classmates The public apology was a source of great humiliation for her

Examples of usage

The dishonor of being caught lying.
She brought dishonor to her family by committing a crime.
His actions brought dishonor upon himself and his colleagues.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to bring shame or disgrace

To bring shame or disgrace to someone or something; to tarnish their reputation or honor.

Synonyms

disgrace, humiliate, shame, tarnish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dishonor	When someone causes a loss of respect or reputation, often through unethical or immoral actions. This word is also commonly used in formal or historical contexts. He chose to dishonor his family by lying and cheating The scandal dishonored the institution
disgrace	When someone loses respect or position due to a public or significant failure. It often indicates a more severe or long-lasting impact. The athlete fell into disgrace after the doping scandal He was a disgrace to his profession
shame	A feeling of guilt or distress caused by one's own or others' actions. It can also mean the action of causing someone to feel this way. She felt deep shame for her mistakes He was shamed by his community for his behavior
humiliate	To make someone feel ashamed or foolish, usually in front of others. This word often implies a more personal or direct action causing embarrassment. The teacher didn't mean to humiliate the student in front of the class He humiliated his opponent with a crushing defeat
tarnish	To damage the good reputation of someone or something, often gradually. This word is sometimes used metaphorically in relation to losing shine or luster. The scandal tarnished his impeccable record The accusations began to tarnish her reputation

Examples of usage

He dishonored his family by committing a heinous act.
The scandal dishonored the entire organization.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, dishonor can be a serious issue, prompting individuals to take drastic steps to restore their family honor.
Honor-based societies often view dishonor as more than personal failure; it can affect whole families and communities.

Historical Context

In many historical military contexts, dishonor was considered a fate worse than death, leading to practices like seppuku in feudal Japan.
The concept of dishonor has driven numerous legal and social movements throughout history, affecting laws on justice and societal norms.

Psychology

Experiencing dishonor can lead to shame, which can impact mental health and relationships significantly.
The fear of dishonor can motivate individuals to conform to societal norms, exemplifying how social pressure shapes behavior.

Literature

Many literary figures, like Shakespeare's Hamlet, grapple with themes of honor and dishonor, exploring the emotional turmoil it creates.
In classic romances, the dishonor of a character often serves as a catalyst for their personal growth or redemption arc.

Origin of 'dishonor'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'honor', which means respect or esteem, combined with the prefix 'dis-', indicating a negative or opposite force.
It has roots in Middle English, further connecting it to concepts of reputation and integrity over centuries.

The word 'dishonor' originated from the Old French word 'desonor' and has been used in the English language since the 13th century. It is derived from the Latin word 'dis-' meaning 'lack of' and 'honor' meaning 'respect or esteem'. Over the centuries, 'dishonor' has been associated with loss of reputation, shame, and disgrace.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,663, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17660 parched
17661 outsourcing
17662 clapping
17663 dishonor
17664 inalienable
17665 flattening
17666 unaccompanied
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