noun / verb

honor

AH-nur/ˈɑːnər/

Respect shown by treating someone or an obligation as worthy.

Our community honors the volunteers who keep the library open.

A community presenting a plain medal to an older volunteer while onlookers applaud respectfully, dignified modern ceremony, no lettering or banners.

Etymology

Latin honos joined dignity with reputation. English honor likewise connects the esteem someone receives with the nobility of character that makes that esteem deserved.

In context

Storytime Haven691:03

How high he stood in reputation is shown by the fact that the command of the rear, the post of honor in a retreating army, had been given to him by the Prince.

Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

The school holds a dinner in her honor.
His sense of honor keeps him from cheating.
The company honored its promise to refund the money.

Forms

honor · honors · honored · honoring

honorable adjective — Deserving respect for honest and principled behavior.

honoree noun — A person receiving special recognition or respect.

Similar words

respect: Emphasizes esteem rather than public recognition or fulfilling obligations.
recognize: Emphasizes acknowledging achievements, not moral integrity or keeping promises.
fulfill: Applies to carrying out obligations, not showing personal esteem.