Honor
Etymology
From Latin "honor" (esteem, dignity, public office). The word looked outward first — to reputation and the offices a community bestowed — and only gradually turned inward to name the private code that makes a person worthy of such regard.
noun · /ON-ur/
A personal integrity and adherence to a code of right conduct, together with the respect it earns.
What it names
A double thing — an inner standard one holds oneself to, and the outer esteem that answers it — which is why honor can be both kept and lost.
Example
It was a matter of honor for him to repay the loan no contract could have enforced.
Related idea
Honor blends inner integrity with the outward respect it commands; reputation is the outer regard alone, which can be won by appearances — a person can keep their honor while losing their reputation to a lie, or hold a reputation they no longer deserve.
verb · /ON-ur/
To fulfill or discharge an obligation — to keep a promise, or to accept and pay a debt, check, or agreement.
What it names
the meeting of a commitment
Example
The bank refused to honor the check, and the supplier would not honor its warranty.
Related idea
A convention between states is only worth the paper it is on if the parties honor it once the crisis comes.