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Definitions from WordNet

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Guilt by Association

Definition:

Guilt by association refers to the attribution of guilt or blame to someone not because of their own actions, but because of their association with someone else who is guilty or disreputable.

Parts of Speech:

• Noun
• Phrase

Senses:

Noun:

The noun sense of guilt by association refers to the act of assigning guilt or blame to someone due to their connection with a person, group, or organization that is considered to be guilty or disreputable.

Example: The politician's involvement with a corrupt businessman led to guilt by association.

Phrase:

The phrase guilt by association signifies the concept or phenomenon where someone is considered guilty or flawed merely because of their association with someone or something that is stigmatized or negatively perceived.

Example: Although she had no involvement in the crime, she suffered from guilt by association as her brother was a notorious criminal.

Usages:

• He was fired from his job due to guilt by association with his co-worker involved in fraudulent activities.
• Guilt by association often leads to a tarnished reputation and can have severe consequences.
• It is unfair to judge someone based on guilt by association without considering their individual actions.

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