# shaming

/ˈʃeɪmɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈeɪmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shaming
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. public humiliation

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The online shaming of the shoplifter went viral within hours.
- 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'.

## Examples

- Online shaming can be very harmful to a person's mental health.
- The public shaming of the politician followed the leak of his private messages to the press.
- Sociologists argue that while shaming was once a localized tool for maintaining community standards, the digital age has amplified its reach, often resulting in disproportionate consequences for the individual.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.