dishonor

¹dis·hon·or

noun \(ˌ)dis-ˈä-nər also (ˌ)diz-\

Definition of DISHONOR

1

: lack or loss of honor or reputation

2

: the state of one who has lost honor or prestige : shame <has brought dishonor on his family>

3

: a cause of disgrace

4

: the nonpayment or nonacceptance of commercial paper by the party on whom it is drawn

— dis·hon·or·er \-ˈän-ər-ər\ noun

Examples of DISHONOR

1. warriors who choose death before dishonor
2. He is afraid that his confession will bring dishonor on the family.

Origin of DISHONOR

Middle English dishonour, from Anglo-French deshonur, from des- dis- + honur honor

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to DISHONOR

Synonyms

discredit, disesteem, disgrace, disrepute, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame

Antonyms

esteem, honor, respect

Related Words

scandal; contempt, despite, disdain, scorn; deprecation, disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor; abasement, debasement, debasing, degradation, dust, humbling, humiliation; blot, brand, shadow, slur, smirch, spot, stain, stigma, taint

Near Antonyms

admiration, appreciation, estimation, regard; awe, fear, reverence; fame, glory, renown, repute

See Synonym Discussion at disgrace

²dishonor

transitive verb

Definition of DISHONOR

1

a : to treat in a degrading manner

b : to bring shame on

2

: to refuse to accept or pay (as a bill or check)

Examples of DISHONOR

1. She dishonored her oath of office.
2. The bank dishonored my check.

First Known Use of DISHONOR

13th century

Related to DISHONOR

Synonyms

abase, chasten, cheapen, debase, degrade, demean, discredit, disgrace, humble, foul, humiliate, lower, shame, sink, smirch, take down

Antonyms

aggrandize, canonize, deify, elevate, exalt

Related Words

abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattle; belittle, castigate, criticize, cry down, decry, depreciate, detract, diminish, discount, disparage, minimize, put down, ridicule, write off; bad-mouth, defame, defile, libel, malign, slander; affront, insult; censure, condemn, damn, denounce, execrate, reprehend, reprobate

Near Antonyms

acclaim, applaud, boast, celebrate, cheer, cite, commend, compliment, congratulate, decorate, eulogize, extol (also extoll), fete (or fête), hail, honor, laud, praise, salute, tout; acknowledge, recognize; highlight, play up, spotlight; dignify, ennoble, enshrine, ensky, enthrone, glorify, magnify; advance, boost, lift, promote, raise, upgrade, uplift; idealize, romanticize