shame

¹shame

noun \ˈshām\

Definition of SHAME

1

a : a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety b : the susceptibility to such emotion <have you no shame?>

2

: a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute : ignominy <the shame of being arrested>

3

a : something that brings censure or reproach; also : something to be regretted : pity <it's a shame you can't go> b : a cause of feeling shame

Examples of SHAME

1. He felt shame for his lies.
2. How could you be so rude? Have you no shame?
3. Her crimes brought shame upon her family.
4. He had to endure the shame of being fired.

Origin of SHAME

Middle English, from Old English scamu; akin to Old High German scama shame

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SHAME

Synonyms: contriteness, contrition, penitence, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, guilt

Antonyms: impenitence, remorselessness

Related Words: compunction, misgiving, prick, qualm, scruple; blame, culpability, fault; liability, rap, responsibility; chagrin, embarrassment; anguish, distress, grief, ruth, sadness, sorrow; bloodguilt, bloodguiltiness; apology, excuses, hand-wringing, mea culpa

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

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Rhymes with SHAME

aim, blame, came, claim, dame, fame, flame, frame, game, hame, kame, lame, maim, name, same, tame, wame