public shaming

American  

[puhb-lik shaym-ing] / ˈpʌb lɪk ˈʃeɪm ɪŋ /

noun

public shamings plural

1. the act or practice of humiliating someone for their behavior or characteristics by mocking, harshly criticizing, or expressing moral outrage against them in the media or on social media.

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Example Sentences

“There’s no doubt that George Floyd and the public shaming of Jacob Frey—which has happened more than once—has damaged his overall standing,” said Larry Jacobs, a political scientist at the University of Minnesota.

From Slate • Nov. 3, 2025

Many now say that the problem isn’t getting any better, despite phone bans and public shaming, writes Callum Borchers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

Professor Julia Walters, sister of Ms Perry, said Ofsted's new plans "still put school leaders at risk of public shaming", and urged the Education Secretary to halt the rollout.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

Soon after that, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” reminded his viewers of how uncivil Leno was toward Lewinsky in an episode about public shaming.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2025

The beggars went back to the church steps, the stragglers moved off, and the neighbors departed so that the public shaming of Kino would not be in their eyes.

From "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck