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

Even Israel’s much-vaunted arms industry, which has used the war in Gaza as proof-of-concept for its wares and has proven to be relatively resistant to opprobrium, is being affected.

From Los Angeles Times

In recent years, however, the speakers have played pre-planned programming that ranges from outright opprobrium to more subtle messaging intended to imbue listeners with pro-South Korea sympathies.

From Los Angeles Times

"There's no question that the kind of opprobrium that the administration heaps on judges with whom they disagree is unlike any other time."

From BBC

The massacres spurred a wave of world opprobrium, with the U.S.,

From Los Angeles Times

Now, one can act as crassly as one likes without feeling shame and social opprobrium, because everything is done in a higher political cause.

From Salon

Related Words

• ignominy 
• infamy