opprobrium

[uh-proh-bree-uhm]

noun

1. the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy.

2. a cause or object of such disgrace or reproach.

opprobrium

/ əˈprəʊbrɪəm /

noun

1. the state of being abused or scornfully criticized

2. reproach or censure

3. a cause of disgrace or ignominy

Word History and Origins

Origin of opprobrium¹

1650–60; < Latin: reproach, equivalent to op- op- + probr ( um ) infamy, disgrace + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of opprobrium¹

C17: from Latin ob- against + probrum a shameful act

Example Sentences

And the old political playbook — confession, contrition, capitulation — is obviously no longer operative, as candidates find it not only possible but even advantageous to brazen their way through storms of uproar and opprobrium.

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The opprobrium has meant that Mazón has frequently been barracked at public appearances and his presence at Wednesday's state memorial service has been cast in doubt due to objections by victims' relatives.

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ExxonMobil contends that the legislative history shows that the bills seek to “place disproportionate blame on companies like ExxonMobil for being large and for the avowed purpose of spurring public opprobrium,” according to the lawsuit.

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Would you say the opprobrium that came down on him was justified or excessive?

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Israel denies the charge, even as it faces unprecedented levels of opprobrium.

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Related Words

• ignominy 
• infamy