'opprobrium' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'opprobrium', where elements include 'ob-' (against/toward) and a root related to 'probrum' meaning 'reproach or disgrace'.

'opprobrium' came into English via Late Latin and Old French forms (for example, Old French 'oprobrier' and Medieval Latin 'opprobrium'), and it eventually settled into the modern English form 'opprobrium' in the Early Modern period.

Initially it meant 'reproach' or 'disgrace' in Latin, and over time it has retained that core sense while also being used to denote severe public criticism as well as the state of public dishonor.