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Disrepute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disrepute

[dษชsหˆrษ›pjuหt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in public opinion

The state of being held in low esteem or disfavor by the public; loss or lack of reputation.

Synonyms

disgrace, dishonor, infamy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disrepute

Use 'disrepute' when referring to a situation or state where someone or something has lost the respect of others and is generally seen in a negative light, often over an extended period.

  • The company fell into disrepute after the scandal.
  • His actions brought his family name into disrepute.
disgrace

Use 'disgrace' to describe a situation where someone has lost the respect of others due to a particular act or behavior. It often emphasizes the shame and loss of honor.

  • He left the office in disgrace after the fraud was uncovered.
  • Their behavior is a disgrace to the school.
dishonor

Use 'dishonor' when focusing on the loss of honor or respect, particularly in situations involving betrayal or failure to meet expected standards. It often has a formal or serious tone.

  • He felt he'd brought dishonor to his family by failing the exam.
  • The soldier was discharged in dishonor for disobeying orders.
infamy

Use 'infamy' to describe a situation where someone or something is known for a very bad deed or evil act. It carries a stronger negative connotation and is often used in historical or dramatic contexts.

  • The dictator lived on in infamy for his brutal regime.
  • The attack was a day of infamy that would never be forgotten.

Examples of usage

  • It is important for a public figure to avoid any actions that may bring disrepute upon their character.
  • The company's involvement in the scandal led to a significant disrepute among consumers.
Context #2 | Verb

to damage reputation

To bring shame or disgrace upon; to harm the reputation or standing of someone or something.

Synonyms

defame, slander, smear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disrepute

Used when someone or something has lost respect or a good reputation due to their actions or circumstances. It often describes a general state rather than an active action.

  • The company's association with fraud brought it into disrepute.
  • His criminal activities led to his family name falling into disrepute.
defame

This is used when someone is actively damaging another person's or organization's reputation by making false statements. It often involves a legal connotation.

  • The author was sued for trying to defame the politician.
  • False accusations can severely defame an individual's character.
slander

Used specifically for spoken false statements that harm someone's reputation. This is a type of defamation and can have legal consequences.

  • He was accused of slander after spreading lies about his coworker.
  • Slander can lead to serious legal troubles.
smear

Often used in a more informal context to describe an effort to harm someone's reputation through false or misleading information. It can be spoken, written, or even through rumors.

  • The gossip columns are always trying to smear celebrities.
  • The political campaign turned dirty when candidates began to smear each other's records.

Examples of usage

  • The false accusations were an attempt to disrepute his opponent before the election.
  • The journalist was sued for attempting to disrepute the reputation of the celebrity.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, one can be held in disrepute for activities that are considered unlawful or unethical.
  • Being in disrepute can affect a person's ability to obtain jobs, especially in high-trust industries like finance.
  • Certain professions have specific codes of conduct, and violating these can lead to disciplinary action due to disrepute.

Cultural Perceptions

  • Public figures often face disrepute due to scandal, which can quickly change public opinion and support.
  • In literature and media, characters often fall into disrepute due to their actions, depicting the moral lessons of society.
  • Certain communities may have different thresholds for what actions lead to disrepute, highlighting cultural differences in values.

Social Dynamics

  • Disrepute can spread through gossip and social media rapidly, affecting people's lives in real-time.
  • The fear of falling into disrepute can influence peopleโ€™s behaviors, leading them to conform to social norms.
  • Restoring one's reputation after disrepute often requires significant effort, including apologies and changes in behavior.

Historical Examples

  • Throughout history, certain leaders have faced disrepute due to corruption or scandal, altering the course of their nations.
  • The Salem Witch Trials saw individuals fall into disrepute without substantial evidence, showcasing the power of rumor.
  • Writers like Oscar Wilde tackled themes of disrepute in their works, addressing societal judgments of the time.

Origin of 'disrepute'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reputare', which means to think again or reconsider.
  • In the 16th century, 'disrepute' started to appear in English, emphasizing a loss of good standing or reputation.
  • It combines the prefix 'dis-', which implies a negative, with 'repute', referring to how others see someone.

The word 'disrepute' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'disreputare', which means 'to think little of'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English to describe the loss or lack of reputation. The concept of disrepute has been prevalent throughout history, as societies have often placed great importance on reputation and public opinion.

See also: disreputable, disreputably, reputable, reputation, reputed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,989, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.