Disgrace
/dɪsˈɡreɪs/
Definitions
2 meaningsLoss of reputation or respect as a result of a dishonorable action.
/dɪsˈɡreɪs/
Loss of reputation or respect
The politician's actions brought disgrace upon his party.
💡 Simply: Imagine you do something really embarrassing, like accidentally wearing mismatched socks to a fancy party. That embarrassment, that loss of face, is a disgrace. It's like when someone messes up so badly that everyone thinks less of them.
👶 For kids: When you do something bad that makes people not like you or be ashamed of you.
More Examples
He felt the disgrace of being caught cheating.
The team suffered the disgrace of losing the championship game.
How It's Used
"His actions brought disgrace upon his family."
"The scandal was a disgrace to the government."
To cause someone to lose respect or honor.
/dɪsˈɡreɪs/
To cause someone to lose respect
The scandal disgraced the company and its executives.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: if you spill your drink all over someone's fancy outfit, you *disgrace* yourself! You make yourself look bad in front of that person.
👶 For kids: To do something bad that makes people not like you or be ashamed of you.
More Examples
He knew his actions would disgrace his family.
Her rude behavior disgraced her parents.
How It's Used
"His behavior disgraced the entire organization."
"The king feared his actions would disgrace his name."
Idioms & expressions
a blot on the landscape
Something that spoils a place or situation and causes shame or disgrace.
"The derelict building is a blot on the landscape."
From Middle English *disgrace*, from Old French *desgrace*, *desgrasse* ("disgrace, shame"), from *des-* (dis-) + *grace* (“grace”).
The word 'disgrace' has been used since the Middle Ages to describe a state of dishonor. It frequently appears in literature dealing with morality and reputation.
Memory tip
Think of a broken face (dis-face) – causing a loss of grace.
Word Origin
"loss of favor, shame"