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infamy

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noun in·fa·my \ˈin-fə-mē\

Definition of infamy

plural

infamies

  1. 1 :  evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal

  2. 2a :  an extreme and publicly known criminal or evil actb :  the state of being infamous

See infamy defined for English-language learners

See infamy defined for kids

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Examples of infamy in a sentence

  1. He never escaped the infamy his crimes had earned him.

  2. despite her eventual pardons, she could never completely free herself of the infamy of being named a war criminal

15th Century

First Known Use of infamy

15th century

infamy Synonyms

Synonyms
discredit, disesteem, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, disgrace, 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

Synonym Discussion of infamy

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

INFAMY Defined for English Language Learners

infamy

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noun in·fa·my \ˈin-fə-mē\

Definition of infamy for English Language Learners

  • : the condition of being known for having done bad things or for being evil

  • : an evil or terrible act

INFAMY Defined for Kids

infamy

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noun in·fa·my \ˈin-fə-mē\

Definition of infamy for Students

plural

infamies

  1. 1 :  an evil reputation He earned infamy for his crimes.

  2. 2 :  an evil or terrible act The people suffered the infamies of their ruler.

Learn More about infamy

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for infamy Spanish Central: Translation of infamy Nglish: Translation of infamy for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about infamy

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Examples: infamy in a sentence
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