opprobrium
uh-PROH-bree-uhm
/əˈproʊbriəm/
Harsh criticism or public disgrace arising from shameful conduct.
Opprobrium is a very strong word that combines intense public condemnation with the resulting state of deep disgrace.
The story behind the word. Opprobrium comes from the Latin 'opprobrium', which is formed from 'ob-' (against) and 'probrum' (a shameful act or reproach). Literally, it means having a shameful act thrown back in your face by the public.
Word relationships
- vituperation: Vituperation refers specifically to the abusive language used in criticism, while opprobrium refers to both the criticism and the resulting state of disgrace.
- acclaim: Acclaim is enthusiastic and public praise or approval.
Commonly confused with
- disgrace: Disgrace is a general term for loss of respect, while opprobrium specifically emphasizes the active, harsh public condemnation that causes that loss.
Word family
- opprobrious (adjective): Expressing scorn or criticism; shameful.
Collocations
- public opprobrium
- deserve opprobrium
- heap opprobrium upon
- escape opprobrium
Example sentences
- "The company's decision to dump toxic waste into the river met with widespread public opprobrium." An editorial on a major corporate scandal
- "He spent his final years in obscurity, shielded from the opprobrium of his former allies." A biography of a controversial historical figure
Memory hook
Think of 'opprobrium' as 'appropriate blame'—when someone does something truly awful, the public heaps a massive amount of 'appropriate blame' on them. Shame thrown in your face.
When not to use
Do not use opprobrium for minor criticisms or disagreements; it is reserved for severe, collective moral outrage.
Fun facts
- The adjective form 'opprobrious' is often used to describe language itself, as in 'opprobrious language', meaning language that is highly abusive or scornful.
Related words
Also appears in
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