Definition

The act of making someone feel ashamed or embarrassed about something they have done.

Example

The constant shaming of individuals for their choices can lead to serious mental health issues.

Conversation

I read an article about the negative effects of shaming people online.

That sounds interesting! It really can hurt someone's self-esteem.

Exactly! I think we need to promote kindness instead of shaming others.

Definitely! Supporting each other is so much more important.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make someone feel ashamed or embarrassed about something they have done or who they are.

Example

The constant criticism was shaming her for her choices.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I saw a post online that was really shaming people for their choices.

That’s so unnecessary! Everyone has their own reasons.

Exactly! It just makes people feel bad instead of helping them.

Root Explanation

Shaming is formed from "shame" (from Old English "sceamu", meaning a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior) and "-ing" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating an action or process). The word "shaming" refers to the act or process of causing someone to feel shame.

Memory Tip

Think of the painful feeling of 'shame' and remember that 'shaming' is the action of causing that feeling in someone.

Visually Confused Words