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Dishonour Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dishonour

[dɪsˈɒnə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in legal context

lack or loss of honour or reputation; disgrace

Synonyms

disgrace, humiliation, shame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dishonour

Generally used in more formal contexts, implying a loss of respect or esteem, especially in settings involving duty, responsibility, or moral/ethical standards.

  • The soldier felt deep dishonour for failing to complete his mission.
  • The scandal brought dishonour to the entire family.
disgrace

Often used to describe a severe loss of respect or reputation due to inappropriate actions, misbehavior, or failure. It can be applied broadly across personal, professional, or public life and usually carries a strong negative connotation.

  • He left the company in disgrace after the embezzlement was discovered.
  • The athlete's doping scandal brought great disgrace upon the sport.
shame

Refers to a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. It can also be used more broadly to describe a regrettable situation.

  • He felt a strong sense of shame for his rude behavior at the party.
  • It's a shame that the event was canceled due to bad weather.
humiliation

Used to describe an experience or action that makes someone feel ashamed and foolish, often in front of others. This term focuses more on the feeling and experience of being lowered in dignity.

  • The student felt deep humiliation when the teacher corrected her in front of the whole class.
  • Losing the game in such a manner was a public humiliation for the team.

Examples of usage

  • He brought dishonour to his family by committing a crime.
  • The scandal resulted in dishonour for the politician.
Context #2 | Verb

in legal context

bring shame or disgrace upon

Synonyms

disgrace, humiliate, shame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dishonour

Use when referring to the loss of respect or honor, often in a formal or professional setting.

  • The soldier's actions brought dishonour to the entire regiment.
  • He felt a deep sense of dishonour after failing to keep his promise.
disgrace

Better for situations where someone's actions result in public humiliation or loss of reputation. It carries a strong negative meaning.

  • The senator's scandal brought disgrace to his political career.
  • Cheating in the game led him into disgrace among his peers.
shame

Can be used more broadly for feelings of regret, guilt, or embarrassment. Often used in more personal or emotional contexts.

  • She felt a deep sense of shame after lying to her parents.
  • The family's secret was a source of lasting shame.
humiliate

Appropriate when someone is intentionally made to feel ashamed or foolish, often by others. It has a very negative connotation.

  • He was humiliated by his boss in front of all his colleagues.
  • The bully's goal was to humiliate his victim.

Examples of usage

  • His actions have dishonoured his reputation.
  • The decision to cheat dishonoured the entire team.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, dishonour can lead to social ostracism or a loss of status within the community.
  • Historical practices, such as dueling, often arose from the need to restore honour after being dishonoured.
  • In literature, characters faced dishonour typically undergo significant transformations, emphasizing moral lessons.

Psychology

  • Studies show that feeling dishonoured can lead to strong emotional responses, including anger and shame.
  • Individuals who experience dishonour often seek to regain their status by demonstrating competence or by a change in behavior.
  • The fear of dishonour can drive people to adhere to social norms more strictly, highlighting its impact on behavior.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, actions deemed dishonourable have led to punishments including exile and loss of title.
  • The Samurai code in Japan placed great importance on honour and dishonour, often resulting in ceremonial suicide to avoid disgrace.
  • Many feuds, such as those in the American West, stemmed from perceived dishonour, indicating its societal impact.

Literature

  • Classic literary works often explore themes of honour and dishonour, illustrating the consequences faced by characters.
  • Shakespeare frequently addressed honour in his plays, portraying moral dilemmas that come from actions perceived as dishonourable.
  • Contemporary novels often examine how characters navigate dishonour in the age of social media, shaping modern perceptions of reputation.

Origin of 'dishonour'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'dishonorem', combining 'dis-' (not) and 'honor', which means respected or valued.
  • In Middle English, 'dishonour' was used to describe actions that brought shame or loss of reputation to a person.
  • Many languages have similar roots; for example, in French, 'dishonneur' carries the same meaning related to loss of honour.

The word 'dishonour' originated from Middle English 'dishonour' which came from Old French 'des(on)ur' meaning 'lack of honour'. The prefix 'dis-' indicates negation or reversal, while 'honour' traces back to the Latin 'honor'. The concept of dishonour has been present in various societies throughout history, often tied to codes of conduct, ethics, and social status.

See also: honour.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,080, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.