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Dehumanise: meaning, definitions and examples

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dehumanise

 

[diːˈhjuːmənaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

dehumanise

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

Synonyms

degrade, depersonalize, devalue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During wartime, dehumanisation has been used to justify acts of violence, making it easier for soldiers to see the enemy as less than human.
  • Many famous leaders in history have engaged in dehumanisation to gain public support for acts against certain groups, illustrating its powerful societal effects.

Psychology

  • Studies show that when individuals are dehumanised, empathy decreases, leading to an increase in aggressive behaviors.
  • The process of dehumanising others can also backfire, resulting in feelings of guilt and shame for those who participate.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and literature often depict dehumanisation as a central theme, such as in dystopian narratives where characters are treated as mere numbers.
  • Video games sometimes face criticism for allowing players to dehumanise opponents, blurring the lines of morality and empathy.

Human Rights

  • Dehumanisation is often a precursor to human rights violations, with history showing that when people are seen as less than human, atrocities can occur.
  • Organizations working in human rights prevention focus on combating dehumanisation to foster greater understanding and compassion among people.

Literature

  • Many authors use dehumanisation as a literary device to critique society and highlight the consequences of treating people as objects.
  • Classic novels often explore themes of dehumanisation, providing insights into the struggles of oppressed individuals in various societies.

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

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.