shame
Pronunciation: (shām), [key]
— n., v., shamed, sham•ing.
—n.
- the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another: She was overcome with shame.
- susceptibility to this feeling: to be without shame.
- disgrace; ignominy: His actions brought shame upon his parents.
- 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.
- you should feel ashamed!: What a thing to say to your mother! For shame!
- She played so well she put all the other tennis players to shame.
- to cause to suffer shame or disgrace.
- to outdo; surpass:She played so well she put all the other tennis players to shame.
—v.t.
- to cause to feel shame; make ashamed: His cowardice shamed him.
- to drive, force, etc., through shame: He shamed her into going.
- to cover with ignominy or reproach; disgrace.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.