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Shame Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shame

[ʃeÉĒm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.

Synonyms

embarrassment, guilt, humiliation.

Examples of usage

  • I felt a deep sense of shame after my mistake was revealed.
  • She couldn't bear the shame of being caught lying.
  • He was filled with shame for betraying his friend's trust.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To cause to feel shame; to embarrass or humiliate.

Synonyms

disgrace, embarrass, humiliate.

Examples of usage

  • She was ashamed to admit her mistake.
  • He shamed her for her rude behavior.
  • Their actions shamed the entire community.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Shame can serve as a regulatory emotion, helping individuals learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them.
  • It is often contrasted with guilt; shame relates to the self, while guilt relates to actions.
  • Overwhelming shame can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, affecting overall well-being.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In several cultures, shame can play a crucial role in social behavior and interpersonal relationships, guiding people to conform.
  • Eastern cultures may emphasize collective shame more than Western individualism, leading to different societal dynamics.

Literature

  • Shame is a common theme in literature, often used to explore character development and societal norms.
  • Classic works, like Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter', depict the impact of shame on personal identity and social ostracization.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and movies explore themes of shame, often highlighting personal struggles and the journey to redemption.
  • Reality television frequently showcases individuals confronting their own shame, creating a space for emotional catharsis.

Origin of 'shame'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shame' comes from Old English 'sceamu', which means 'a painful feeling of humiliation or distress'.
  • In many languages, terms related to shame often link to feelings of covering up or hiding, reflecting its emotional weight.

The word 'shame' originated from the Old English word 'scamu', which means a painful feeling of humiliation. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass a broader range of emotions related to embarrassment and guilt. The concept of shame has been studied extensively in psychology and sociology, highlighting its role in shaping individual behavior and societal norms.

See also: ashamed, shamed, shamefacedly, shameful, shamefully, shameless, shamelessly, shamelessness, shaming, unashamed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,708, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.