Definition

1. Noun:

   • A state of shame or disgrace: A condition where one has lost respect or good reputation due to a wrong or immoral action.
   • Lack of honor or integrity: The absence of the qualities of honesty, fairness, or moral uprightness.

2. Verb:

   • To bring shame or disgrace upon: To cause someone or something to lose respect or reputation.
   • To refuse to accept or pay (a financial instrument): To fail to honor a check, draft, or similar commitment.
   • To force someone to have sex against their will: To rape or sexually violate someone (archaic or formal/literary usage).

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He felt a deep sense of dishonour after his betrayal was revealed.
  • The soldier considered cowardice in battle the ultimate dishonour.

• Verb:

  • His actions dishonoured the family name for generations.
  • The bank dishonoured the cheque due to insufficient funds.
  • The novel tells the story of a woman dishonoured by a powerful man. (This usage is now considered archaic or highly formal for the act of rape).

Advanced Usage

• "A badge of dishonour": A symbol or mark of disgrace.

  • The corrupt official wore his conviction like a badge of dishonour.

• "To do someone the dishonour of...": To treat someone with disrespect by performing a specific action (often used sarcastically or formally).

  • He did me the dishonour of not even remembering my name.

Variants and Related Words

• Dishonourable (adj): Deserving or causing shame or disgrace.

  • It was a dishonourable act of deception.

• Dishonourably (adv): In a shameful or disgraceful manner.

  • He was discharged dishonourably from the army.

Synonyms

• Disgrace (n/v): Loss of reputation or respect.
• Shame (n/v): A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by wrong behavior.
• Disfavor (n): Disapproval or dislike.
• Discredit (v/n): Harm the good reputation of someone or something.

Antonyms

• Honour (n/v): High respect; integrity.
• Esteem (n/v): Respect and admiration.
• Credit (n/v): Public acknowledgment or praise.

Related Phrases

• To be in dishonour: To be in a state of disgrace.

  • The fallen leader lived out his days in dishonour.

• To bring dishonour upon/on: To be the cause of shame for someone or something.

  • The scandal brought dishonour upon the entire institution.

Noun

1. lacking honor or integrity
2. a state of shame or disgrace
   • he was resigned to a life of dishonor

Verb

1. refuse to accept
   • dishonor checks and drafts
2. force (someone) to have sex against their will
   • The woman was raped on her way home at night
3. bring shame or dishonor upon
   • he dishonored his family by committing a serious crime