infamy

thumb|A statue of George Washington, in the [[Smithsonian. The bare chest was generally considered disrespectful of the great statesman, which earned it the epithet infamous.]]

Infamy is notoriety gained from actions considered dangerous, disrespectful, immoral, unethical, or otherwise perceived in a negative manner. An infamous person or organization is one considered to have said or done something that provokes public outrage, and often one who is considered blameworthy and deserving of punishment even if no sanction is actually applied. The term has been used in both secular and canon law in Europe since ancient times.