shame someone into something Definition

shame
noun

1. The humiliating feeling of having appeared unfavourably in one's own eyes, or those of others, as a result of one's own offensive or disrespectful actions, or those of an associate.

Thesaurus: mortification, embarrassment, regret, chagrin, remorse, self-reproach, self-reproof, guilt; Antonym: pride.
2. Susceptibility to such a feeling or emotion.
3. Fear or scorn of incurring or bringing disgrace or dishonour.
4. Disgrace or loss of reputation.

Example: He's brought shame on the whole family
Thesaurus: disgrace, stigma, dishonour, blot, degradation, humiliation; Antonym: distinction, honour, credit.
5. Someone or something bringing this.
6. Modesty or bashfulness.
7. A regrettable or disappointing event or situation.

Example: It's such a shame that he failed his exam

verb shamed, shaming

1. To make someone feel shame.

Thesaurus: humiliate, ridicule, disgrace, mortify, dishonour, humble, abash, debase, smear.
2. To bring disgrace on someone or something.

Idiom: put someone to shame

To disgrace them.

To make them seem inadequate by comparison.

Idiom: shame on you, them

You, they, etc should be ashamed.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon sceamu.

Phrasal Verb: shame someone into something

To provoke them into taking action by inspiring feelings of shame.
Example: He shamed him into telling the truth