dishonor

verb

dishonored; dishonoring; dishonors

transitive verb

1

a

: 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)

Synonyms of dishonor

• humiliate
• discredit
• shame
• disgrace
• embarrass

Examples of dishonor in a Sentence

She dishonored her oath of office.

The bank dishonored my check.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Navy should be able to tell the difference between honoring a visitor and dishonoring the dead. —Jon Duffy, Twin Cities, 27 May 2026

The problem of Black student academic malaise is not due to any lack of government funding, but rather a cultural malady that dishonors academic excellence and places ball-chasing above scholastic accomplishment. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 21 May 2026

Ella Baker, Septima Clark, these are extraordinary women who today the Supreme Court has dishonored their legacy and their sacrifices. —NBC news, 10 May 2026

The money’s all being made by people close to Jackson who want to tell a distorted narrative that really dishonors them. —Marlow Stern, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing dishonor

• there's no dishonor in

Rhymes for dishonor

• afrikaner
• conner
• honor
• honour
• wanner

Kids Definition

dishonor

1 of 2 noun

dis·​hon·​or (ˈ)dis-ˈän-ər 

1

: loss of honor or good name

2

: the state of one who has lost honor

3

: a cause of disgrace

dishonor

2 of 2 verb

1

: to bring shame on : disgrace

2

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

dishonorer noun

Legal Definition

dishonor

1 of 2 noun

dis·​hon·​or

: refusal on the part of the issuer (as a bank) to pay or accept commercial paper (as a check) when it is presented see also wrongful dishonor

dishonor

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to refuse to pay or accept

a bank dishonoring the checks for insufficient funds