This noun denotes the state of disrepute or public discredit that comes from exposure or refutation. Acts 19:27 records the silversmiths' concern that Paul's teaching would bring Artemis's temple 'into disrepute'—they feared losing both religious prestige and commercial profit. The term emphasizes public reputation and the danger of falling into contempt. For the Ephesian economy, which depended heavily on Artemis-worship tourism, such disrepute would be financially catastrophic. Theological truth threatened economic interest.