耻辱 (chǐ rǔ) is a compound noun meaning 'disgrace' or 'humiliation' — a deep, painful feeling of shame caused by an action or event that violates personal, social, or moral standards. The first character, 耻 (chǐ), means 'shame' or 'sense of shame', while the second, 辱 (rǔ), means 'insult', 'dishonor', or 'to humiliate'. Together, they intensify the sense of profound moral injury — not just embarrassment, but a blow to one’s dignity or reputation.

This word is often used in formal, literary, or emotionally charged contexts: historical narratives, political discourse, moral education, or personal reflections on betrayal, failure, or injustice. It carries strong negative connotations and implies lasting damage to honor or integrity. Unlike milder terms like 尴尬 (gān gà, 'awkwardness'), 耻辱 suggests a serious violation of values — it’s rarely used lightly or humorously, and seldom applied to trivial situations.