Opprobrium
/əˈproʊbriəm/
nounC2
Definition
Opprobrium is the strong feeling of shame, anger, or criticism that a person or group receives from others when they do something wrong or very bad. It is more serious than simple criticism and often involves public disgrace or dishonor.
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See It in Action
Public disgrace or strong criticism because of bad actions
- •The politician faced opprobrium after the scandal became public.
- •His dishonest behavior brought opprobrium from the community.
- •The company suffered opprobrium for harming the environment.
The state of being strongly disapproved of by many people
- •Opprobrium fell on the athlete after the cheating was discovered.
- •She accepted the opprobrium that came with her controversial decision.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "opprobrium" like "shame," but much stronger and public—everyone knows and talks about it
- ✓Picture a person standing alone while many others point fingers or whisper disapprovingly
- ✓It's the feeling when you make a big mistake and many people are upset or angry with you
- ✓Sounds like "uh-PROH-bree-um" → imagine a loud crowd saying "Oh, PROBLEM!" because someone caused trouble
- ✓Think of famous stories where a character is publicly blamed or shamed, like in old movies or history
- ✓NOT like "criticism" (which can be private or mild) — opprobrium is public and very serious
- ✓NOT like "guilt" (which is feeling bad inside) — opprobrium is what others feel or show toward you
- ✓NOT like "disapproval" (which can be quiet or small) — opprobrium is loud and widespread
Try Other Words
- •Disgrace: loss of respect because of bad behavior (Use when focusing on loss of honor and respect)
- •Scorn: strong dislike and lack of respect (Use when the feeling is more about contempt and rejection)
- •Condemnation: strong disapproval, often official or formal (Use when criticism comes from authorities or formal groups)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: none clearly separable in modern English; whole word borrowed as is
- •Etymology: From Latin "opprobrium," meaning reproach or disgrace
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 16th century, used to describe public shame or blame
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal or literary contexts to describe strong public criticism or disgrace
Reflect & Connect
•How does public opprobrium affect a person differently than private shame?
•Can opprobrium ever be helpful or fair, or is it always harmful?
Fill in the blanks
1.The celebrity received opprobrium because their actions caused a ___ reaction from the public.
2.Opprobrium usually follows when a person or group breaks important ___ or rules.
3.Unlike private guilt, opprobrium is shown ___ by many people.
4.The company tried to avoid opprobrium by quickly ___ the problem.
5.Opprobrium is stronger than simple criticism because it often causes ___ damage to reputation.
6.When a leader faces opprobrium, it means they have lost the ___ of their followers.
7.Sometimes opprobrium can lead to ___ changes if people want to fix the problem.