Definition

1. Noun:
   • A symbol of public shame for adultery: A scarlet letter is a literal or metaphorical mark of disgrace, specifically for the sin of adultery, historically inspired by Puritan punishment.
   • The letter 'A' in scarlet cloth: Specifically, it refers to a cloth letter 'A' worn visibly on clothing as a form of public humiliation and penance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • In the novel, Hester Prynne is forced to wear a scarlet letter as punishment.
  • The scandal turned his past mistake into a modern scarlet letter.

Advanced Usage

• "a scarlet letter" (metaphorical): A lasting public mark of shame or disgrace for any transgression, not limited to adultery.
  • After the data breach, the company's name became a scarlet letter in the tech industry.
• "to wear/bear a scarlet letter": To be publicly and persistently shamed or stigmatized.
  • She felt she wore a scarlet letter after the rumors spread.

Variants and Related Words

• Scarlet Letter (proper noun): Often capitalized when referring specifically to Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel .
  • We are studying themes of sin and redemption in The Scarlet Letter.

Synonyms

• Stigma: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
• Brand: A mark of disgrace or notoriety.
• Mark of Cain: A biblical metaphor for a sign of guilt or a burden of shame (note: distinct origin but similar metaphorical function).

Related Phrases

• "A scarlet 'A'": A direct reference to the literal symbol.
  • The article described the controversy as a scarlet 'A' on his career.

Related Idioms

• "To be branded with a scarlet letter": To be permanently marked by shame.
  • Politicians fear being branded with a scarlet letter for any ethical lapse.

Noun

1. the letter A in red; Puritans required adulterers to wear it