Abjection: meaning, definitions and examples
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abjection
[ æbˈdʒɛkʃən ]
philosophical concept
Abjection is a state of being cast off or rejected. It refers to the feeling or condition of being in a situation that is unpleasant, degrading, or humiliating. In philosophical contexts, particularly in the works of Julia Kristeva, abjection describes the process by which an individual distinguishes themselves from what they consider the 'other', often related to the rejection of bodily fluids or external impurities. This rejection is not just physical but also psychological, capturing the strangeness and fear of loss of identity.
Synonyms
degradation, humiliation, repulsion
Examples of usage
- The abjection of the discarded materials reflected societal neglect.
- In her art, she explores themes of abjection and the discomfort of the human body.
- The character's abjection illustrates her struggle with her identity.
Translations
Translations of the word "abjection" in other languages:
🇵🇹 abjeção
🇮🇳 अवहेलना
🇩🇪 Abscheu
🇮🇩 penolakan
🇺🇦 пригнічення
🇵🇱 odrzucenie
🇯🇵 軽蔑
🇫🇷 abjection
🇪🇸 abyección
🇹🇷 aşağılama
🇰🇷 경멸
🇸🇦 احتقار
🇨🇿 opovržení
🇸🇰 opovrhnutie
🇨🇳 厌恶
🇸🇮 zaničevanje
🇮🇸 fyrirlitning
🇰🇿 жек көру
🇬🇪 მოღალატება
🇦🇿 təhqir
🇲🇽 abyección
Etymology
The word 'abjection' originates from the Latin term 'abjectio', which means 'a casting off' or 'throwing away'. It stems from the verb 'abicere', which combines 'ab-' (meaning 'away from') and 'jacere' (meaning 'to throw'). The term has been used in English literature since the early 17th century, often describing the act of rejecting or discarding both physical and metaphorical elements of identity. Its philosophical implications were further expanded by thinkers like Julia Kristeva in the 20th century, who articulated the role of abjection in defining the self in opposition to what is deemed unacceptable or disturbing. Over time, 'abjection' has come to represent not only social and moral rejection but also an exploration of the human psyche's darker aspects.