honor
UK[ˈɒnə(r)]US[ˈɑːnər]
n
great respect and admiration for someone, or something given to show this respect.
n
a strong sense of what is morally right, influencing one's behaviour.
n
a special privilege or award given as a mark of respect.
v
to show great respect for someone or something, especially in public.
v
to do what you have agreed or promised to do.
Etymology
the word 'honor' entered english in the 12th century via old french 'honor', from its latin source. the latin term 'honor' originally conveyed a concrete sense of public office, esteem, or a mark of distinction, which naturally extended to the abstract qualities that merited such recognition. this semantic core—the link between external respect and internal integrity—has remained remarkably stable. the spelling 'honor' reflects the american english simplification, while british english retains the 'u' in 'honour', a vestige of its old french transmission.
Analysis
the word 'honor' is a simplex form. it is a direct borrowing from the latin 'honor, honōs' (meaning 'honor, dignity, office, reputation'), which itself is likely derived from the proto-indo-european root h₃enh₂- ('to burden, charge, honour').
Examples
it was a great honor to be invited to speak at the ceremony.
he is a man of principle and honor.
the bank refused to honor the cheque due to insufficient funds.