Bringing shame or disgrace; morally wrong or disreputable (British spelling).
From Old French 'deshonerer', combining 'des-' (not) with 'honore' (honored). The word evolved to describe actions and people unworthy of respect, creating a strong moral judgment tied to social reputation.
In military and legal contexts, 'dishonourable discharge' was considered worse than imprisonment because it destroyed your reputation permanently—showing how much shame mattered in honor-based societies!
'Honor' and 'dishonor' historically applied asymmetrically: women's sexual reputation determined family honor; men's could include military/professional honor. Female dishonor was deemed irredeemable; male dishonor more recoverable.
Use 'dishonourable' neutrally for current contexts; in historical discussion, clarify whose honor was at stake and how gendered standards differed.
["disreputable","unethical","shameful"]
Women challenged gendered honor codes; suffragists and rebels reclaimed 'dishonor' as principled defiance of unjust standards.
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