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Infamy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infamy

[ˈɪnfəmi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in history

The state of being well known for some bad quality or deed.

Synonyms

dishonor, disrepute, notoriety, shame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infamy

Describing a person or event known for being extremely bad or evil. It carries a heavy negative connotation, often linked with historical events or severe transgressions.

  • The dictator's reign will always be remembered with infamy.
  • The day of the attack went down in history as a day of infamy.
notoriety

Refers to being famous or well-known for a bad quality or deed. It can have slightly less severe connotations than 'infamy' and can sometimes be used in a more neutral way.

  • She gained notoriety for her controversial art installations.
  • The restaurant became notorious for its poor hygiene.
disrepute

Applicable when something or someone is held in low esteem by others, usually due to negative behaviors or associations. Often used in more formal contexts.

  • The scandal brought the company into disrepute.
  • His actions have led to his disrepute in the community.
shame

Used to describe a feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. It’s generally an internal, personal experience.

  • He felt deep shame after lying to his friends.
  • Wearing the same outfit every day became a source of great shame for her.
dishonor

Used when someone is seen as having lost respect or dignity, either through their actions or through circumstances imposed upon them. Often involves a sense of moral failing.

  • He felt dishonor after being caught cheating on the exam.
  • Bringing dishonor to the family is considered a grave issue.

Examples of usage

  • He quickly gained infamy for his controversial remarks.
  • The criminal's infamy spread throughout the town.
  • The infamy of the dictator haunted the country for years.
  • The infamy of the scandal was discussed in the media.
  • The artist's infamy grew after the controversial exhibition.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Infamy is often associated with events that bring lasting shame; for example, the phrase 'A day of infamy' refers to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
  • Figures like Benedict Arnold in American history are remembered for their infamy due to betrayal during the Revolutionary War.

Pop Culture

  • Infamous characters like Hannibal Lecter or the Joker are celebrated in films as villains that you love to hate.
  • Songs like 'Smooth Criminal' by Michael Jackson reference infamous acts and characters, blending music with notoriety.

Psychology

  • The concept of infamy can impact a person's behavior, where some may even seek out notoriety to gain attention.
  • People remember infamous events or individuals more than those with a neutral or positive reputation, a phenomenon known as the 'negativity bias.'

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature characters who endure infamy, like Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth', who is remembered for her ambitious and terrible deeds.
  • The term is often used in literary criticism to describe characters who have become infamous due to their actions and moral complexities.

Origin of 'infamy'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'infamia,' which means dishonor or disgrace.
  • The term has been used since the late 15th century in English to describe a bad reputation.

The word 'infamy' originated from the Latin word 'infamia', which means 'ill fame' or 'bad reputation'. In ancient Rome, infamia was a legal term referring to loss of reputation and public esteem. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in English to describe being well known for something negative or dishonorable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,717, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.