mark of cain
Noun 1. A sign of guilt or disgrace; a stigma: The phrase "mark of Cain" refers to a lasting sign or stigma that identifies someone as being guilty of a serious wrong or crime. It originates from the biblical story where God placed a mark on Cain after he murdered his brother Abel, not to punish him further, but to protect him from being killed by others. In modern usage, it has come to symbolize the burden of guilt or a brand of shame.
The term is used figuratively to describe a perceived or actual stain on a person's character or reputation resulting from a past action. * It functions as a singular noun, often preceded by the article "the" or a possessive (e.g., his, her, its). * It typically implies that the stigma is unwarranted, excessive, or unfairly lasting.
- After the scandal, he felt he bore the mark of Cain and could never work in politics again.
- The unjust conviction left an indelible mark of Cain on her reputation.
- The company carried the mark of Cain for years after the environmental disaster.
- The phrase can be used in a broader, more abstract sense to refer to any inherent flaw, sinful nature, or cursed condition, though this is less common than its use for a specific stigma.
- Some critics argue the novel explores the mark of Cain that lies within all humanity.
- Stigma (n): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. This is the most direct synonym.
- Brand (n): A mark of disgrace or notoriety. (e.g., ).
- Scarlet letter (n): A similar metaphorical term for public shame or disgrace, originating from Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel.
- Stigma
- Brand
- Stain
- Blot
- Smirch
- To bear a stigma/brand: To carry a mark of disgrace.
- He bore the stigma of his family's bankruptcy.
- A scarlet letter: A symbol of adultery and public shaming, used more broadly for any badge of shame.
- She refused to wear the scarlet letter of her past mistakes.
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the mark that God set upon Cain now refers to a person's sinful nature
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