Shaming: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when publicly criticizing someone, often to make them feel bad or guilty. This often happens on social media and has a negative connotation.

• Online shaming can have serious consequences for people's mental health.
• He faced shaming for his controversial remarks during the interview.

Humiliation occurs when someone is made to feel ashamed or foolish, often in a public setting. It has a very strong negative impact and can be deeply damaging.

• The public reprimand was an act of humiliation.
• He felt deep humiliation when he was laughed at by his colleagues.

This word is appropriate when someone's actions lead to a loss of respect or reputation. It is a more formal term and has a strong negative impact.

• The politician's scandal brought disgrace to his entire family.
• After the cheating incident, he lived in disgrace.

This word is used when someone feels awkward or self-conscious because of a mistake or awkward situation. It can be both mild and severe but does not necessarily carry a long-term negative impact.

• She turned red with embarrassment when she realized her mistake.
• The technical glitch caused a lot of embarrassment during the presentation.

Typically used to describe a situation where someone is being publicly criticized or made to feel ashamed, often in a social or online setting. Can have negative connotations.

• Online shaming has become a common tactic in social media disputes.
• She felt deep shaming after her private messages were leaked.

Used when someone is intentionally made to feel extremely ashamed or foolish, often in a public setting. Strong negative connotation.

• The teacher didn't mean to humiliate the student with her harsh criticism.
• He felt humiliated when he realized everyone was laughing at his mistake.

Often used in everyday situations to describe causing someone to feel awkward or self-conscious. Less severe than 'humiliate' or 'disgrace'.

• I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of your friends.
• She was embarrassed when she realized she had a stain on her shirt.

Used in more serious situations where someone has lost respect or honor due to their actions. Has a strong negative connotation and implies severe social or personal downfall.

• The politician's involvement in the scandal brought disgrace to his reputation.
• He left the company in disgrace after the fraud was discovered.