Definition

1. Noun:

   • High respect, esteem, or admiration: The quality of being worthy of respect, admiration, or high regard.
   • A clear sense of ethical conduct; integrity: Adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct.
   • A special recognition or privilege: A mark of respect or distinction, such as an award or title.
   • A source of credit or distinction: A person or thing that confers respect or brings esteem.

2. Verb:

   • To regard or treat with respect and admiration: To show high esteem for someone or something.
   • To fulfill an obligation or keep an agreement: To accept and pay (e.g., a check) or to adhere to the terms of (e.g., a promise).
   • To confer honor upon; to bestow an award or privilege: To publicly recognize and reward.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • It is a matter of personal honor to tell the truth. (The principle of integrity compels one to be truthful.)
  • He received the highest honor the nation can bestow. (He was given the nation's most prestigious award.)
  • She is an honor to her profession. (She brings credit and respect to her field of work.)

• Verb:

  • We honor our veterans for their service. (We show public respect and gratitude to veterans.)
  • The bank will honor this check. (The bank will accept and pay the value of this check.)
  • Please honor your commitment to finish the project. (Please fulfill the promise you made.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be on one's honor": to be trusted to act responsibly without supervision, based on one's personal integrity.
  • The students were on their honor not to cheat during the take-home exam.
• "honor bound": morally obligated to do something.
  • I felt honor bound to help him after all he had done for me.
• "point of honor": a matter affecting one's self-respect or reputation.
  • For him, repaying the debt was a point of honor.

Variants and Related Words

• Honorable (adjective): Deserving of honor and respect; characterized by integrity.
  • He made an honorable decision.
• Honorary (adjective): Conferred as an honor, without the usual requirements or obligations.
  • She was given an honorary degree from the university.
• Honors (noun, plural): Special distinctions for high academic or other achievement.
  • She graduated with honors.

Synonyms

• Noun: Respect, esteem, integrity, distinction, accolade.
• Verb: Respect, revere, esteem, fulfill, acknowledge.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Honor with: To confer a favor or distinction upon someone.
  • The queen honored him with a knighthood.
• Do the honors: To perform a ceremonial duty, such as serving food or making an introduction.
  • Would you please do the honors and cut the cake?

Related Idioms

• A badge of honor: Something worn or treated as a mark of pride, even if it is a criticism or hardship.
  • She wore the criticism as a badge of honor.
• In honor of: As a celebration or tribute to.
  • The ceremony was held in honor of the founding members.
• Your Honor: A title of respect used when addressing a judge.
  • Yes, Your Honor, I understand the charge.

Noun

1. a woman's virtue or chastity
2. the quality of being honorable and having a good name
   • a man of honor
3. the state of being honored
4. a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
   • an award for bravery

Verb

1. accept as pay
   • we honor checks and drafts
2. show respect towards
   • honor your parents!
3. bestow honor or rewards upon
   • Today we honor our soldiers
   • The scout was rewarded for courageous action