dishonor

noun

dis·hon·or | \ (ˌ)dis-ˈä-nər

also (ˌ)diz-\

Definition of dishonor

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

dishonor

verb

dishonored; dishonoring; dishonors

Definition of dishonor (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to treat in a degrading manner

b : to bring shame on

2 : to refuse to accept or pay (something, such as a bill or check)

Other Words from dishonor Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about dishonor

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Choose the Right Synonym for dishonor

Noun

disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, infamy, ignominy mean the state or condition of suffering loss of esteem and of enduring reproach. disgrace often implies humiliation and sometimes ostracism. sent home in disgrace dishonor emphasizes the loss of honor that one has enjoyed or the loss of self-esteem. preferred death to life with dishonor disrepute stresses loss of one's good name or the acquiring of a bad reputation. a once proud name fallen into disrepute infamy usually implies notoriety as well as exceeding shame. a day that lives in infamy ignominy stresses humiliation. the ignominy of being arrested

Examples of dishonor in a Sentence

Noun

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

Verb

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

So don’t expect a disquisition on death and dishonor. — Michael O'sullivan, Twin Cities, "‘The Lion King’ feels way more like ‘Hamlet’ this time — and that’s why it’s so good," 18 July 2019 The best way for the U.S. to avoid dishonor and calamity is to walk back this policy shift and publicly commit to safeguarding its Kurdish partners until a durable peace agreement can be reached. — Tommy Meyerson, WSJ, "The Cost of Betraying Syria’s Kurds," 20 Dec. 2018 Nope, that honor (or dishonor) goes to the toxic masculinity Sabrina, her aunts, and her friends battle in both the mortal and witch worlds. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Is Dark and Scary, But Not in the Way You Think," 26 Oct. 2018 But as important, a rejection will bring dishonor to the Senate. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Confirm Brett Kavanaugh," 27 Sep. 2018 Other black lawmakers chose to skip the address to avoid having to hear the president dishonor Americans who are black. — Eugene Scott, Washington Post, "Trump took a jab at NFL players protesting racism while honoring 12-year-old boy," 31 Jan. 2018 These allegations bring unwelcome dishonor and embarrassment to Akron Fire Department and the City of Akron and unfairly discredit the reputation of other Akron Fire officers. — Chris Irvine, Fox News, "Ohio firefighters suspended 'for making pornographic videos in fire house', officials say," 19 June 2018 These distressing allegations bring unwelcome dishonor and embarrassment to our department and the city of Akron and unfairly discredit the reputation of other Akron firefighters. — Matthew Diebel, USA TODAY, "Firefighters accused of making pornography at Akron, Ohio, fire station," 19 June 2018 For the most part, the article seemed to treat the Gevers-Breitman quarrel as a case of dishonor among thieves. — Gideon Lewis-kraus, WIRED, "The Blockchain: A Love Story—And a Horror Story," 18 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Antonio Brown dishonored the Silver and Black in spectacular fashion without even playing a down in an exhibition game. — Gary Peterson, The Mercury News, "Raiders fans creatively turn Antonio Brown jerseys into Tim Brown jerseys," 9 Sep. 2019 Sometimes, people step up and dishonor those values and precepts. — Phil Rockrohr, chicagotribune.com, "Protestors follow up vigil in Highland Park to denounce ‘un-American’ detention camps," 15 July 2019 To cheapen that gift with partisan actions dishonors the sacrifices of men and women who protect that freedom with their lives. — Jeremy Butler, Time, "President Trump Has Planned a Big Military Tribute for the Fourth of July. That's Not the Best Way to Honor the Troops," 1 July 2019 In so doing, the partisan gerrymanders here debased and dishonored our democracy, turning upside-down the core American idea that all governmental power derives from the people. — Ephrat Livni, Quartz, "The US Supreme Court says partisan gerrymandering is not its problem," 27 June 2019 To do so would dishonor the survivors, students and faculty members who have built on that tragedy creating resilience, strength and unity. — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, "Letters: Columbine High School’s future; A vote to diminish your vote; Artistic interpretation (6/12/19)," 12 June 2019 That may sound like a gauche question, dishonoring the dead. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "Mike Shinoda Asks Not to Be Defined by Loss," 21 June 2018 With the exception of a few Governors like Baker, Hogan and Kasich it is filled with feckless cowards who disgrace and dishonor the legacies of the party’s greatest leaders. — Tara Golshan, Vox, "A prominent GOP strategist has left the Republican Party over family separations at the border," 20 June 2018 There is nothing in his history or character that suggests the six-time major champion would do something to intentionally dishonor the game. — Gary D'amato, USA TODAY, "Give Phil Mickelson the benefit of the doubt; he's no cheater," 16 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dishonor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.