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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.)

Etymology

Origin of death before dishonor

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Be it so; death before dishonor," replied the commander firmly.

From Stand By The Union by Bridgman, L. J. (Lewis Jesse)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.