dishonor

especially British, dis·hon·our

[dis-on-er]

noun

1. lack or loss of honor; disgraceful or dishonest character or conduct.

2. disgrace; ignominy; shame.

   His arrest brought dishonor to his family.

3. an indignity; insult.

   to do someone a dishonor.

4. a cause of shame or disgrace.

   He is a dishonor to his family.

5. Commerce.,  failure or refusal of the drawee or intended acceptor of a bill of exchange or note to accept it or, if it is accepted, to pay and retire it.

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive of honor; disgrace; bring reproach or shame on.

2. Commerce.,  to fail or refuse to honor or pay (a draft, check, etc.).

3. to rape or seduce.

Other Word Forms

• dishonorer noun
• undishonored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dishonor¹

1250–1300; Middle English dishonour (noun), dishonouren (v.) < Anglo-French, Old French; dis- ¹, honor

Synonym Study

See disgrace.

Example Sentences

He talked behind my back in ways that I felt dishonored me.

From Los Angeles Times

“Men dishonor Christ more in the 12 days of Christmas than in all the 12 months besides,” complained Hugh Latimer, an English Protestant clergyman and martyr.

From Salon

Beyond Scarborough and Brezinski’s astounding hypocrisy, by meeting with Trump they dishonored the profession they purport to be a part of.

From Salon

According to Patterson, social death is a state of permanent and violent domination coupled with physical separation from one’s family or homeland and marked by a pervasive condition of dishonor.

From Salon

“Former officer Baca tarnished the badge and dishonored the majority of those who serve and protect our communities with integrity,” said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• debase 
• defile 
• discredit 
• disgrace 
• sully