opprobrium

[ uh-proh-bree-uhm ]

noun

1. the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy.
2. a cause or object of such disgrace or reproach.

opprobrium

/ əˈprəʊbrɪəm /

noun

1. the state of being abused or scornfully criticized
2. reproach or censure
3. a cause of disgrace or ignominy

Word History and Origins

Origin of opprobrium¹

1650–60; < Latin: reproach, equivalent to op- op- + probr ( um ) infamy, disgrace + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of opprobrium¹

C17: from Latin ob- against + probrum a shameful act

Example Sentences

World opprobrium rose against Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

For instance, in explaining the need for broad presidential immunity, the court reasoned that a president could be deterred from bold action by “the peculiar public opprobrium that attaches to criminal proceedings.”

From Los Angeles Times

A substantial amount of detail in the lawsuit is redacted in what the complaint describes as “a good faith effort to comply with” the defendants’ “overbroad confidentiality provisions ... as well as to preserve the confidentiality and privacy interests of the plaintiffs who wish to avoid opprobrium.”

From Los Angeles Times

Aside from any perceived domestic morale boost, however, some observers questioned whether the pager blasts would ultimately backfire, earning Israel yet more international opprobrium and setting the stage for retaliation by Hezbollah.

From Los Angeles Times

Her analysis is chilling: Sinwar does not care about Palestinian deaths, since his goal is to stir international opprobrium against Israel and domestic turmoil within, and Netanyahu cares foremost about his political survival and avoiding prison, given criminal cases pending against him, which would be jeopardized if he agreed to a cease-fire deal that his far-right coalition partners object to.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ignominy
• infamy