1.
disgrace; dishonor; stigma; bad reputation
A tarnished reputation or the stigma of having done something shameful. Refers to the stain on one's name or honor, rather than the feeling of shame itself.
汚名を返上したい。
I want to redeem my reputation.
裏切り者という汚名を着せられた。
I was branded with the stigma of being a traitor.
彼は長年の努力で汚名を晴らし、再び信頼を取り戻した。
Through years of effort, he cleared his name and regained trust.
USAGE:
汚名 literally means "dirty name" and refers to a damaged reputation. It is almost always used with a small set of fixed collocations. The key distinction is between 汚名を返上する (to redeem one's name through positive action) and 汚名を晴らす (to clear one's name by disproving accusations).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 汚名を返上する: to redeem one's reputation (through achievement)
- 汚名を晴らす: to clear one's name
- 汚名を着せる: to brand someone with disgrace
- 汚名を被る: to bear a stigma
- 汚名を残す: to leave a stain on one's name