honor

especially British, hon·our

[on-er]

noun

1. honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions.

   a man of honor.

   Synonyms: uprightness, probity
   Antonyms: dishonesty, dishonor

2. a source of credit or distinction.

   to be an honor to one's family.

3. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank.

   to be held in honor.

   Synonyms: veneration, reverence, homage, deference

4. such respect manifested.

   a memorial in honor of the dead.

5. high public esteem; fame; glory.

   He has earned his position of honor.

   Synonyms: distinction

6. the privilege of being associated with or receiving a favor from a respected person, group, organization, etc..

   I had the honor of serving on the Pulitzer Prize jury.

   It is an honor to introduce this evening's speaker.

7. Usually honors. evidence, as a special ceremony, decoration, scroll, or title, of high rank, dignity, or distinction.

   political honors;

   military honors.

8. Honor, a deferential title of respect, especially for judges and mayors (preceded by His, Her, Your, etc.).

9. honors,

   1. special rank or distinction conferred by a university, college, or school upon a student for eminence in scholarship or success in some particular subject.

   2. an advanced course of study for superior students.

10. especially historically, chastity or purity in a woman.

11. Also called honor card. Cards.

    1. Bridge.,  any of the five highest trump cards, as an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten in the trump suit, or any of the four aces in a no-trump contract.

    2. Whist.,  any of the four highest trump cards, as an ace, king, queen, or jack in the trump suit.

12. Golf.,  the privilege of teeing off before the other player or side, given after the first hole to the player or side that won the previous hole.

verb (used with object)

1. to hold in honor or high respect; revere.

   to honor one's parents.

   Synonyms: venerate, esteem

2. to treat with honor.

3. to confer honor or distinction upon.

   The university honored her with its leadership award.

4. to worship, glorify, or serve (a deity).

   Believers honor Hanuman as the embodiment of strength and courage.

   May he grow to be a man who loves and honors God.

5. to show a courteous regard for.

   to honor an invitation.

6. Commerce.,  to accept or pay (a draft, check, etc.).

   All credit cards are honored here.

7. to accept as valid and conform to the request or demands of (an official document).

8. (in square dancing) to meet or salute with a bow.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or noting honor.

honor

/ ˈɒnə /

noun

1. the US spelling of honour

Other Word Forms

• honorer noun
• honorless adjective
• overhonor verb (used with object)
• rehonor verb (used with object)
• self-honored adjective
• unhonored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of honor¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English noun (h)onour, (h)onor, from Old French (h)onor, onur, from Latin honōr- (stem of honor, earlier honōs); verb ultimately derivative of the noun

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. do honor to,

   1. to show respect to.

   2. to be a credit to.

      Such good students would do honor to any teacher.

2. do the honors, to serve or preside as host, as in introducing people, or carving or serving at table.

   Father did the honors at the family Thanksgiving dinner.

3. be on / upon one's honor, to accept and acknowledge personal responsibility for one's actions.

   West Point cadets are on their honor not to cheat on an exam.

More idioms and phrases containing honor

• do the honors
• in honor of
• on one's honor
• word of honor

Synonym Study

Honor, honesty, integrity, sincerity refer to the highest moral principles and the absence of deceit or fraud. Honor denotes a fine sense of, and a strict conformity to, what is considered morally right or due: a high sense of honor; on one's honor. Honesty denotes the presence of probity and particularly the absence of deceit or fraud, especially in business dealings: uncompromising honesty and trustworthiness. Integrity indicates a soundness of moral principle that no power or influence can impair: a man of unquestioned integrity and dependability. Sincerity implies absence of dissimulation or deceit, and a strong adherence to truth: His sincerity was evident in every word. Honor, consideration, distinction refer to the regard in which one is held by others. Honor suggests a combination of liking and respect: His colleagues held him in great honor. Consideration suggests honor because of proved worth: a man worthy of the highest consideration. Distinction suggests particular honor because of qualities or accomplishments: She achieved distinction as a violinist at an early age.

Example Sentences

Ships, bases and other facilities to honor trailblazing members of the military have also been changed.

From Salon

And every member of “The Pitt” ensemble will receive a prize next year when the show wins the cast honor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

From Los Angeles Times

But the Emmys are about honoring achievements in television and the glammed up, A-list audience that will gather Sunday in the Peacock Theater is not looking for a set.

From Los Angeles Times

“States have the authority to balance public health goals with individual freedom, and honoring those decisions builds trust” Kennedy wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

They received support that fall from Planned Parenthood of Illinois, which awarded the student group its 2024 Trailblazer Award and honored them in a Chicago ceremony in Chicago.

From Salon

Related Words

• attention 
• celebration 
• confidence 
• credit 
• dignity 
• distinction 
• esteem 
• faith 
• fame 
• glory 
• praise 
• prestige 
• recognition 
• reputation 
• tribute 
• trust