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infamy

infamy

21 7.6
Being known for something very bad or shameful
  • noun
  • /ˈɪnfəmi/
translation icon : infamia
  • Never will I bow to this infamy!" the Defense Minister shouted.
  • live in infamy

This name MO Brooks will now go down in infamy.

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Examples

  • Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the empire of Japan.

  • It is a day that will live in infamy for those out there who never had a chance to be who they want to be, buy what they want to buy.

  • A crime that will live in infamy!

  • December 7th, 1941... a date which will live in infamy.

  • December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy.

  • Mudd's name still lives in infamy.

  • Really, sir, I am unwilling to be subjected to this infamy.

    Academic text (1995)
  • To paraphrase Sartre, the road to infamy was paved with good intentions.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Many criminals achieve a degree of infamy due to their notorious actions.

  • His actions during the scandal brought him lasting infamy in the community.

Synonyms

notoriety
vsinfamy
42 6.8

Being well known for something bad or wrong

is a stronger fame for morally bad or shameful actions
opprobrium
vsinfamy
  • Formal
3 9.9

Strong public shame and criticism for doing something very wrong

is about being known for bad acts rather than only receiving criticism
ignominy
vsinfamy
  • Literature
2 9.3

Shame and loss of respect felt by many people

is about being publicly known for bad acts rather than inward shame
ill fame
vsinfamy
1 8.1

Being widely known for something bad

is fame focused on moral wrongs rather than general bad reputation
ignominiousness
vsinfamy
  • Formal
9.9

A state of public shame that makes people lose respect

is the status of being widely known for bad deeds not mere deservedness

Antonyms

honor
  • US
2.2

Respect given to a person for good moral behavior

How Infamous

infamy
21 7.6
opprobrium
  • Formal
3 9.9
notoriety
42 6.8
disgrace
157 3.7
disrepute
6 7.6

Surface Forms

infamy singular
infamies plural

Morphology

infamy = infame (semi-transparent) = in + fame + y

The suffix '-y' forms a noun indicating a state or condition from 'infame'.

Etymology

Infamy comes from Latin parts in- ('not') and fama ('fame' or 'reputation'), so at first it meant 'not fame', in other words being known for bad reasons. That's why infamy now means being remembered for something bad or shameful.