Meaning & Definition of word "Shame"

Shame

/ʃeɪm/

1. A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.
- Example: She felt a deep sense of shame after realizing the impact of her words.
2. A loss of respect or honor.
- Example: Winning the award was a great honor, but losing it would bring him shame.
3. Something that is regrettable or unfortunate.
- Example: It's a shame that they couldn't join us for dinner.

1. To cause a person to feel ashamed.
- Example: He was shamed into apologizing for his rude comments.
2. To drive out or dismiss bad behavior by instilling shame.
- Example: Parents often shame their children to encourage better behavior.

Middle English: from Old English 'sceamu', related to 'sciam', meaning 'to be ashamed'.

shame on you:

An expression of disapproval for someone's actions.

a shame to waste:

An expression indicating that something is regretful or unfortunate.

shamefaced:

Having a shameful appearance or demeanor.

shameful:

Deserving of shame or disgrace.

shameless:

Lacking shame or modesty.

ashamed:

Feeling shame or guilt.

Meaning: Shame game

Example Sentence: Playing the shame game only leads to more conflict.

Meaning: Shame spiral

Example Sentence: After one mistake, she fell into a shame spiral.

Meaning: Sham on you

Example Sentence: That's a sham on you—what were you thinking?