shame

[ʃeɪm]

shame Definition

• 1. a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior
• 2. a loss of respect or esteem; dishonor

Using shame: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shame" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She felt a deep sense of shame for her actions.

• Example

  He brought shame upon his family with his criminal behavior.

• Example

  The company's unethical practices brought shame upon its reputation.

• Example

  I have no shame in admitting my mistakes.

shame Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shame

• humiliation
• embarrassment
• disgrace
• dishonor
• indignity

Antonyms for shame

• pride
• honor

Idioms Using shame

• hang one's head in shame

  to feel embarrassed or ashamed about something one has done

  Example

  He hung his head in shame when he realized he had cheated on the test.

• shame-faced

  feeling or showing embarrassment or shame

  Example

  She looked shame-faced when she was caught stealing.

• cry shame

  to express strong disapproval of something

  Example

  It's a cry shame that so many people are still living in poverty.

Phrases with shame

• shame on you

  an expression of disapproval or disappointment towards someone's behavior

  Example

  Shame on you for lying to your parents.

• put to shame

  to cause someone or something to feel inferior or inadequate

  Example

  Her talent put all the other contestants to shame.

• shameless behavior

  behavior that shows no sense of shame or guilt

  Example

  His shameless behavior at the party was appalling.

Origins of shame

from Old English 'sceamu', meaning 'confusion, shame, disgrace'

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Summary: shame in Brief

The term 'shame' [ʃeɪm] refers to a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by one's own wrong or foolish behavior. It can also mean a loss of respect or esteem. Examples include 'She felt a deep sense of shame for her actions.' and 'The company's unethical practices brought shame upon its reputation.' Idioms like 'hang one's head in shame' and 'shame-faced' describe the physical manifestation of shame.