English Reference
noun

shaming

n.
US /ˈʃeɪmɪŋ/ UK /ʃˈeɪmɪŋ/ sham·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of publicly criticizing someone to make them feel ashamed of their actions or appearance.

    the practice of subjecting someone to public disgrace or social rejection, often as a form of social control or moral policing.

    Simple

    The online shaming of the shoplifter went viral within hours.

    In context

    Sociologists argue that public shaming has evolved from a local community practice into a global digital phenomenon with lasting psychological consequences.

    Usage

    Often used in compound nouns like 'body shaming' or 'public shaming'.

    humiliationstigmatizationdisgrace
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated