dishonored

Dishonored is the past participle of the verb dishonor and functions as an adjective describing someone or something that lacks honor or has fallen from esteem. The spelling dishonoured is common in British English, while American English favors dishonored. The term derives from the prefix dis- meaning reversal plus honor, with roots in Old French and Latin. It can refer to reputational damage, actions deemed shameful, or objects associated with shame or disrespect.

In usage, dishonored typically modifies nouns such as reputation, name, or badge, as in “a dishonored reputation” or “the dishonored name.” It is often employed in historical, literary, or ceremonial contexts to emphasize loss of respect or legitimacy. The related verb form is dishonor (to cause to lose honor) and the passive form is “to be dishonored.” The British spelling dishonoured is common in countries that follow Commonwealth conventions.

Dishonored also refers to a video game franchise. Dishonored is a 2012 first‑person action‑adventure stealth game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is set in the fictional industrial city of Dunwall and follows Corvo Attano as he navigates political intrigue using stealth and supernatural abilities. The game emphasizes player choice, with outcomes and endings influenced by lethal or nonlethal approaches. A sequel, Dishonored 2, released in 2016, expands the setting to the Isles and introduces new abilities and playstyles. The standalone expansion The Death of the Outsider, released in 2017, centers on Billie Lurk and Daud and concludes the main arc of the series. The franchise is praised for world-building, level design, and its flexible approach to combat and stealth.