death before dishonor

American  

[deth bi-fawr dis-on-er] / ˈdɛθ bɪˌfɔr dɪsˈɒn ər /

idiom

1. (used to indicate that one would rather die than do something shameful or disgraceful, such as surrender.)

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Etymology

Origin of death before dishonor

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

“The Marines have an expression, ‘Death before dishonor.’

From Washington Post

"That old street justice, death before dishonor outlaw creed, is still there especially in the criminal underworld and in prison, so stuff like that can catch up to you. It doesn't always catch up to you. But in Alpo’s case, it did."

From Fox News

McDowell has a tattoo on his left shoulder that reads "Death Before Dishonor" and a tattoo on his right arm that reads "EGA."

From Fox News

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office released photos of McDowell’s tattoos on Sunday, including one across his shoulders that reads “Death Before Dishonor.”

From Seattle Times

The motto Death Before Dishonor is what makes them put their lives on the line.

From Salon