shame: Meaning and Definition of

shame

Pronunciation: (shām), [key]
— n., v., shamed, sham•ing.
—n.
  1. the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another: She was overcome with shame.
  2. susceptibility to this feeling: to be without shame.
  3. disgrace; ignominy: His actions brought shame upon his parents.
  4. a fact or circumstance bringing disgrace or regret: The bankruptcy of the business was a shame. It was a shame you couldn't come with us.
  5. you should feel ashamed!: What a thing to say to your mother! For shame!
  6. She played so well she put all the other tennis players to shame.
    1. to cause to suffer shame or disgrace.
    2. to outdo; surpass:She played so well she put all the other tennis players to shame.
—v.t.
  1. to cause to feel shame; make ashamed: His cowardice shamed him.
  2. to drive, force, etc., through shame: He shamed her into going.
  3. to cover with ignominy or reproach; disgrace.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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