A reproach is some kind of disgrace, discredit or shame suffered by someone and that affects their public image. This word is synonymous with slander, insult or offense. As for its etymology, it comes from the Latin opprobrium and has the same meaning (the prefix ob means against and the adjective prober means shameful). On the other hand, it must be remembered that the noun disgrace corresponds to the verb disgrace, which is synonymous with defame, vilify or discredit.
The use of the term
The insulting words of others can cause disgrace, that is, a feeling of personal shame. Thus, it could be said that "the boss's false accusations were a disgrace to the employee."
Disgrace can also affect a group, for example in those cases in which a group of people have been defamed for some reason (for example, "the insults of the rival team was a disgrace for all of us").
In any case, disgrace is an offense to honor, whether individual or collective. If a child engages in undesirable behavior, it is very likely that their parents will experience disgrace, as they feel responsible for their child's actions.
The adjective disgraceful-a indicates that something causes a certain disappointment, shame or personal discomfort, because someone's individual pride is morally offended.
Different ways of experiencing disgrace
Personal insult is the most common form of disgrace. However, there are many actions that generate some kind of dishonor: accusations, lies, humiliation, humiliation, contempt, offenses or disqualification. Victims of this type of action feel offended in their inner heart, because their public image is affected in some way, especially if the offending words are false and without any foundation.
Obviously, someone's disgrace can have different consequences. Thus, it is possible that the dishonor ends in some type of personal confrontation or even in the courts of justice for a judge to impose some sanction (we must not forget that there are crimes against honor).
Shame and crimes against honor
Personal dignity is protected by law. The disgrace or moral offense may be related to slander, which is accusing someone of a crime knowing that the accusation is false. On the other hand, in the legal sphere an injury is any offense that threatens the dignity of others.
From the legal point of view, in slander the veracity of the accusations is judged, while in the case of injury the important thing is to defend the honor of the victim, regardless of the truth of the facts.
Photos: iStock - twinsterphoto / Enrico Fianchini
