Shame
/ʃeɪm/noun
A painful feeling of humiliation, guilt, or disgrace.
Did you know?English shame comes from a Proto-Germanic root tied to the idea of covering, hiding, or concealing, which is why shame has always carried the sense of exposure and being made visible.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*skam-
“A root linked to covering or concealment (reconstructed, not directly attested).”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*skamo-
“Shame, disgrace, or the state of being covered/hidden.”
Old English
OE
sceamu
“Shame, disgrace, or a feeling of guilt and humiliation.”
Middle English
ME
shame
“Shame; dishonor; a feeling of painful embarrassment or guilt.”
Modern English
English
shame
“A painful feeling of humiliation, guilt, or disgrace.”