dishonor

/dɪsˈɑnər/

/dɪsˈɒnə/

Other forms: dishonored; dishonoring; dishonors

Dishonor is a state of shame and disgrace. If you were caught lip-syncing to a recording during a singing contest, you’d probably feel a sense of dishonor.

Honor has to do with respect, so dishonor involves a lack of respect. If you dishonor something, you’ve brought shame to it. Athletes who cheat during a game have dishonored themselves and their teams. You can also say a shameful act brings dishonor. When a politician is involved in a scandal, it brings dishonor to his or her reputation.

Definitions of dishonor

1. noun

   a state of shame or disgrace
   “he was resigned to a life of dishonor”

   synonyms: dishonour

   antonyms:

   honor

   the state of being honored

   types:

   disesteem

   the state in which esteem has been lost

   discredit, disrepute

   the state of being held in low esteem

   corruptness

   the state of being corrupt

   disgrace, ignominy, shame

   a state of dishonor

   infamy, opprobrium

   a state of extreme dishonor

   infamy

   evil fame or public reputation

   humiliation

   state of disgrace or loss of self-respect

   obloquy, opprobrium

   state of disgrace resulting from public abuse

   odium

   state of disgrace resulting from detestable behavior

   reproach

   disgrace or shame

   type of:

   standing

   social or financial or professional status or reputation
2. noun

   lacking honor or integrity
   synonyms: dishonour

   antonyms:

   honor

   the quality of being honorable and having a good name

   type of:

   unrighteousness

   failure to adhere to moral principles
3. verb

   bring shame or dishonor upon
   “he dishonored his family by committing a serious crime”

   synonyms: attaint, disgrace, dishonour, shame

   antonyms:

   honor

   bestow honor or rewards upon

   types:

   befoul, defile, foul, maculate

   spot, stain, or pollute
4. verb

   refuse to accept
   “dishonor checks and drafts”

   synonyms: dishonour

   antonyms:

   honor

   accept as pay

   type of:

   decline, pass up, refuse, reject, turn down

   refuse to accept
5. verb

   force (someone) to have sex against their will
   types:

   gang-rape

   rape (someone) successively with several attackers

   type of:

   assail, assault, attack, set on

   attack someone physically or emotionally