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Dehumanise: meaning, definitions and examples

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dehumanise

 

[ diːˈhjuːmənaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

dehumanise

To deprive of human qualities or attributes; to treat someone as if they are not human.

Synonyms

degrade, depersonalize, devalue.

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Word Description / Examples
dehumanise

This term is used when someone is treated as less than human or stripped of human qualities. Often used in discussions about war, slavery, or systemic abuse.

  • Propaganda during the war aimed to dehumanise the enemy soldiers
degrade

This word refers to making someone feel less respected or worthy, often through abusive or humiliating actions. It can also mean the deterioration in quality or condition of objects or materials.

  • He felt degraded by his boss's constant criticism and rude remarks
depersonalize

This term is used when someone is made to feel like an object or a number instead of an individual. Commonly used in medical or bureaucratic contexts where individuals are treated impersonally.

  • Patients often feel depersonalized in hospital settings where they are referred to by their room numbers rather than their names
devalue

This word is used when someone's worth or importance is reduced, either literally (as in currency) or metaphorically (as in someone's contributions or achievements).

  • The manager's constant criticism serves to devalue the team's efforts, lowering morale

Examples of usage

  • He felt that the constant bullying was starting to dehumanise him.
  • The dictator's regime sought to dehumanise its political opponents.
  • She warned against the dangers of dehumanising migrants and refugees.

Translations

Translations of the word "dehumanise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desumanizar

🇮🇳 मानवता-रहित करना

🇩🇪 entmenschlichen

🇮🇩 dehumanisasi

🇺🇦 дегуманізувати

🇵🇱 odczłowieczać

🇯🇵 非人間化する (ひにんげんかする)

🇫🇷 déshumaniser

🇪🇸 deshumanizar

🇹🇷 insanlıktan çıkarmak

🇰🇷 비인간화하다 (bi-inganhwahada)

🇸🇦 تجريد من الإنسانية

🇨🇿 dehumanizovat

🇸🇰 dehumanizovať

🇨🇳 非人化 (fēi rén huà)

🇸🇮 dehumanizirati

🇮🇸 afmennska

🇰🇿 адамдық қасиетінен айыру

🇬🇪 გადამყენება (gadamyeneba)

🇦🇿 insanlıqdan çıxarmaq

🇲🇽 deshumanizar

Etymology

The word 'dehumanise' originated from the combination of 'de-' meaning 'remove' or 'reverse' and 'humanise' meaning 'to make humane or civilize'. The concept of dehumanisation has been studied in psychology and sociology, particularly in the context of warfare and oppressive regimes, where one group is portrayed as less than human to justify mistreatment or violence.

See also: dehumanising, dehumanization, dehumanize, dehumanizing, humanitarian, humanitarians, humanity, humanization, humanize, humanizing, humankind, humans, inhuman, inhumanity, metahuman, subhuman, superhuman.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,188, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.