noun

shame

SHAYM

noun

A painful feeling of embarrassment or guilt caused by awareness of having done something wrong or improper.

"He felt a deep shame after lying to his parents."

A regrettable or disappointing situation (often as an exclamation).

"It's a shame you couldn't make it to the wedding."

verb

To cause someone to feel shame, or to publicly criticize them for something.

"The article was accused of trying to shame the actress over her weight."

How to Use Shame

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA painful feeling of guilt or embarrassment, or — as an expression — used to say something is disappointing.

Common pairings

a crying shame shame on you put to shame

Word Forms

more shame comparative, shamed past tense, shames plural, shame plural, shamed plural, shames singular, shame singular, shamed singular, shamest singular, shamedst singular, shameth singular, most shame superlative

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He felt a deep _____ after lying to his parents.

Etymology

From Old English sceamu, going back to a common Germanic root for the feeling of shame.

Synonyms

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also: Thesaurus:shame abasement disgrace dishonour embarrassment ignominy hurt obloquy opprobrium unhonour

Antonyms

honor exaltation dignify

Related Words

rape hurt disdain help detriment weak comfort glory

Rhymes for shame

name came game dame same fame tame lame flame blame frame aflame

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also: Thesaurus:shame abasement disgrace dishonour embarrassment ignominy hurt obloquy opprobrium unhonour honor exaltation