agnominy

Agnominy is a term that has appeared in various fictional contexts, most notably in the works of the author H.P. Lovecraft. It is generally understood to refer to a profound sense of shame, disgrace, or ignominy, often amplified by a feeling of cosmic or spiritual alienation. The concept suggests a disgrace that is not merely social or personal but touches upon one's very being or place in the universe.

In Lovecraftian lore, agnominy is frequently associated with the discovery of forbidden knowledge or the realization of humanity's insignificance in the face of vast, uncaring cosmic entities. This realization can lead to a state of mental anguish and despair, where the individual feels irredeemably tainted or lost. The term is not a standard English word and its usage is primarily confined to speculative fiction, serving as a tool to evoke a specific kind of existential horror.

The emotional weight of agnominy is often described as a crushing burden, far exceeding ordinary embarrassment or guilt. It implies a fundamental loss of status or self-worth that cannot be easily rectified or overcome. While Lovecraft himself did not extensively define the term, its context within his stories suggests a deep-seated psychological and spiritual degradation.