Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Dehumanising Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚷
Add to dictionary

dehumanising

[diːˈhjuːmənaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in psychology

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?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dehumanising

Refers to making someone feel less human through actions or words, often used in discussions about systemic abuse or cruelty.

  • Working in such poor conditions is dehumanising and unacceptable.
depersonalize

Used in psychological or medical discussions to describe making someone feel disconnected from their own identity or emotions.

  • The constant stress and bureaucracy made him feel depersonalized at work.
degrade

Refers to lowering someone's dignity or respect, commonly used in social, work, or personal interactions.

  • The manager's harsh criticism degraded the employee in front of his colleagues.
devalue

Used to refer to reducing the value, worth, or importance of someone or something, often in economic or personal contexts.

  • Offering such a low salary devalues the work and skills of the employees.

Examples of usage

  • It is dehumanising to discriminate against people based on their race.
  • The use of child labor in factories is a dehumanising practice.
  • She felt dehumanised by the way she was treated by her boss.
  • The soldiers were ordered to dehumanise the enemy in order to make it easier to kill them.
  • The dehumanising effects of poverty can have long-lasting impacts on individuals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that dehumanisation can reduce empathy towards others, making it easier for people to justify harmful actions.
  • Studies indicate that people who are seen as 'less human' are often denied compassion, which can lead to increased hostility.

History

  • Dehumanising rhetoric has been used in various political regimes to justify discrimination, war, and genocide throughout history.
  • Historical examples include the dehumanisation of enslaved people, where they were portrayed as property rather than individuals.

Media

  • Various films and literature address the theme of dehumanisation, often highlighting the struggles faced by marginalized groups.
  • News media can inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes that dehumanise certain communities, impacting public perception and policy.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate the moral implications of dehumanisation, arguing it undermines the foundation of human dignity and rights.
  • The concept is often examined in discussions about ethics, particularly regarding the treatment of animals and artificial intelligence.

Origin of 'dehumanising'

The term 'dehumanising' originated from the word 'dehumanize', which first appeared in the mid-19th century. The prefix 'de-' means 'to remove' or 'reverse', while 'humanize' means 'to make human' or 'to treat with humanity'. Therefore, 'dehumanising' refers to the act of taking away human qualities or treating someone as if they are not human. This concept has been studied in psychology and sociology, particularly in relation to discrimination, oppression, and violence.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,224, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.