Infamous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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infamous
[ˈɪnfəməs ]
Definitions
person
Well known for some bad quality or deed. Having a reputation of the worst kind.
Synonyms
disreputable, notorious, scandalous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infamous |
Used to describe someone or something that is well known for a bad quality or deed. Usually associated with historical or significant negative events.
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| notorious |
Refers to someone or something that is famous or well-known for something bad, often used when the bad quality is widely recognized by many people.
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| disreputable |
Applied to describe someone or something that has a bad reputation or is not respected, often in the context of behavior or appearance that is considered morally or socially unacceptable.
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| scandalous |
Describes something that causes shock or outrage, usually because it involves immoral or inappropriate behavior. Often used in the context of news, gossip or public discourse.
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Examples of usage
- He was infamous for his cruel treatment of animals.
- The criminal was infamous for his violent crimes.
event
Having a bad reputation, typically as a result of something bad that has happened.
Synonyms
disgraceful, notorious, shameful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| infamous |
Used to describe someone or something well-known for a negative reason, often associated with crime or unethical behavior.
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| notorious |
Similar to 'infamous,' it highlights being well-known for a negative attribute, action, or reputation, often used for people and places.
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| disgraceful |
Used to describe actions or behaviors that are considered highly inappropriate, dishonorable, or morally wrong, often provoking strong disapproval.
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| shameful |
Describes actions or situations that cause a deep sense of shame or guilt, often used to express strong moral condemnation.
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Examples of usage
- The event became infamous for the chaos that ensued.
- The scandal caused the company to become infamous.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, characters like Macbeth are described as infamous due to their notorious actions.
- The infamous reputation is often a central theme in many cautionary tales, warning of the consequences of wrongdoing.
- Famous literary works often reflect on the lives of infamous figures, prompting discussion about morality and choices.
Pop Culture
- Infamous characters in movies, like the Joker from Batman, are popular for their chaotic and villainous traits.
- In video games, titles like 'Infamous' have players take on the role of morally ambiguous characters, highlighting the duality of fame and infamy.
- Reality TV shows often feature infamous individuals whose controversial actions garner significant attention.
History
- Historical figures like Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan are remembered as infamous leaders, known for their ruthlessness.
- The infamous actions of certain rulers, such as Caligula and Nero, have shaped our understanding of tyranny in ancient Rome.
- Infamy can also stem from social movements, where controversial figures became symbols for either oppression or resistance.
Psychology
- Research shows that infamous individuals often evoke a mix of fascination and repulsion, highlighting the complexity of human behavior.
- The notoriety associated with being infamous can sometimes boost an individual's influence and power in society.
- Psychologists study the impact of fame and infamy on self-identity, particularly in how people react to their public persona.
Origin of 'infamous'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'infamis,' meaning 'of ill repute' or 'not famous.'
- It has roots in 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'fama,' which means 'fame,' making it literally 'not famous for good reasons.'
- The term has been in use in English since the late 15th century, beginning with a focus on dishonor.
The word 'infamous' originated from the Latin word 'infamis', which means 'of ill repute'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The prefix 'in-' denotes a negative or opposite meaning, while 'famous' comes from the Latin 'famosus', meaning 'well-known'. Over time, 'infamous' has come to be associated with negative connotations, describing people, events, or things that are well-known for the wrong reasons.