indignity

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noun in·dig·ni·ty \in-ˈdig-nə-tē\

: an act or occurrence that hurts someone's dignity or pride : an insulting or embarrassing act or occurrence

plural in·dig·ni·ties

Full Definition of INDIGNITY

1

a :  an act that offends against a person's dignity or self-respect :  insult

b :  humiliating treatment

2

obsolete :  lack or loss of dignity or honor

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Examples of INDIGNITY

1. He remembers all the indignities he had to suffer in the early years of his career.
2. We must endure the indignities of growing old.
3. He suffered the indignity of being forced to leave the courtroom.
4. The indignity of it all was too much to bear.

Origin of INDIGNITY

Latin indignitat-, indignitas, from indignus

First Known Use: 1581

Related to INDIGNITY

Synonyms

affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis (also diss) [slang], epithet, gird, insult, name, offense (or offence), outrage, personality, poke, put-down, sarcasm, slap, slight, slur

Related Words

catcall, gibe (or jibe), jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt; abuse, invective, vituperation; disapproval, opprobrium; disgrace, dishonor, shame; attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe; torment, torture

Near Antonyms

accolade, commendation, compliment; acclaim, applause, praise; adulation, flattery

Rhymes with INDIGNITY

benignity, malignity