noun / verb / interjection
shame
SHAYM/ʃeɪm/
A painful feeling of guilt or disgrace.
He feels shame as he returns the small object he stole.
Etymology
Old English scamu already covered both the painful feeling of disgrace and the dishonor that could cause it. The modern emotional sense continues that inward side of the older word.
In context
if guilt says I made a mistake, shame says I am a mistake. Shame is more than feeling like you messed up.
More examples
- The public criticism shamed her deeply.
- There is no shame in asking for help.
- They have shamed him into apologizing.
Forms
shame · shames · shamed · shaming
ashamed adjective — Feeling guilt or disgrace.