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shame

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

shame

Main Entry:: ¹shame
Pronunciation:: \ˈshām\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English scamu; akin to Old High German scama shame
Date:: before 12th century

1 a: a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety b: the susceptibility to such emotion <have you no shame?>2: a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute : ignominy <the shame of being arrested>3 a: something that brings censure or reproach; also : something to be regretted : pity <it's a shame you can't go> b: a cause of feeling shame

Learn more about "shame" and related topics at Britannica.com

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