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dishonour

British  
/ dɪsˈɒnə /

verb

  1. to treat with disrespect

  2. to fail or refuse to pay (a cheque, bill of exchange, etc)

  3. to cause the disgrace of (a woman) by seduction or rape

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a lack of honour or respect

  2. a state of shame or disgrace

  3. a person or thing that causes a loss of honour

    he was a dishonour to his family

  4. an insult; affront

    we did him a dishonour by not including him

  5. refusal or failure to accept or pay a commercial paper

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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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.

Goff quoted how Churchill had rebuked then UK Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain: "You had the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, yet you will have war."

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2025

Leading military charities have signed an open letter calling on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to honour the promise to hold a debate and "bring an end to the shame and dishonour" veterans have suffered.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2023

If his denials prove in vain and he is found guilty, the 23-year-old will be yet another name to add to the country's roll of dishonour.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2023

He is vital not because he offers fearless answers, but rather because he is the ultimate bard of the unheroic, the laureate of dishonour, the poet of the pivot.

From The Guardian • Apr. 12, 2019

I dare not think further; for so I should in my thoughts dishonour a noble woman!

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

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