Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Dehumanization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
Add to dictionary

dehumanization

[diหหŒhjuหmษ™naษชหˆzeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social psychology

Dehumanization is the process of depriving a person or group of their human qualities, often by portraying them as less than human. This can lead to the justification of violence, discrimination, or other harmful actions against the dehumanized individual or group.

Synonyms

degradation, dehumanizing, depersonalization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dehumanization

This word is used when describing the process of stripping away human qualities, dignity, or individuality from a person or group of people. It often involves treating people as if they are less than human.

  • 'The dehumanization of prisoners made it easier for guards to treat them cruelly
  • '; 'Propaganda often plays a key role in the dehumanization of the enemy during wartime
  • '
degradation

Degradation refers to the act of reducing someone's dignity or worth, often in a way that feels humiliating or dishonoring. It can be used in a wide variety of contexts, from environmental to personal or social.

  • 'The pollution led to the degradation of the river ecosystem
  • '; 'The public shaming led to his social degradation
  • '
depersonalization

Depersonalization is a psychological term used to describe a state where a person feels disconnected from their own identity or body, often feeling like an observer of their own actions. It is less about the actions of others and more about an internal experience.

  • 'During periods of extreme stress, he experienced depersonalization and felt as if he were watching himself from outside his body
  • '; 'Depression and anxiety can sometimes lead to feelings of depersonalization
  • '
dehumanizing

Dehumanizing is the adjective form and is used to describe actions or environments that cause dehumanization. These actions make people feel less human and can be deeply harmful.

  • 'The dehumanizing conditions in the factory made it unbearable to work there
  • '; 'His comments were dehumanizing and deeply offensive
  • '

Examples of usage

  • During wartime, propaganda often relies on dehumanization of the enemy to make it easier for soldiers to kill.
  • Racial dehumanization has been a significant factor in the history of slavery and colonialism.
  • The dehumanization of refugees in media reports can perpetuate negative stereotypes and attitudes towards them.
Context #2 | Noun

philosophy

In philosophical discourse, dehumanization refers to the denial of the full humanity of individuals or groups, treating them as mere objects or means to an end. It can involve the violation of basic human rights and dignity.

Synonyms

degradation, dehumanizing, depersonalization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dehumanization

This term refers to treating someone as less than human, stripping away individual identity and dignity. It is often used in discussions about violence, discrimination, and oppressive systems.

  • The dehumanization of prisoners in the concentration camps was horrifying.
  • Racist propaganda can lead to the dehumanization of entire groups of people.
degradation

This word is used to describe a decline or deterioration in quality, condition, or status. It can refer to both physical and social contexts, such as environmental degradation or moral degradation.

  • The pollution caused the degradation of the river ecosystem.
  • Witnessing the degradation of urban neighborhoods over time can be heartbreaking.
depersonalization

This term is used in psychology to describe a state where an individual feels detached from their own personal identity or body, often as a response to trauma or stress. It can also refer to practices that strip away personal identity in social or institutional contexts.

  • The patient reported feelings of depersonalization, as if they were watching themselves from outside their body.
  • In large bureaucracies, the depersonalization of interactions can make people feel undervalued.
dehumanizing

Dehumanizing acts or behaviors are those that treat people as if they are less than human. This can include both actions and language that diminish the humanity of individuals or groups. The term carries a strong negative connotation.

  • Calling people derogatory names is a dehumanizing practice.
  • The harsh conditions in the factory were dehumanizing for the workers.

Examples of usage

  • The dehumanization of workers in sweatshops is a violation of their fundamental rights.
  • The process of dehumanization in totalitarian regimes often leads to widespread atrocities.
  • Dehumanization in the context of war crimes is a grave moral issue.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term began being used widely during World War II to describe how groups were treated during the Holocaust.
  • In ancient times, conquerors often dehumanized their enemies to justify slavery and mistreatment.
  • Literature from the 19th century talks about dehumanization in context of colonialism, showcasing its long-standing impact.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that dehumanization can lead to ethical blindness, where individuals become desensitized to the suffering of others.
  • Victims of dehumanization can suffer severe psychological effects, like anxiety and depression, due to perceived lack of worth.
  • Studies indicate that when people are depicted as animals or objects, it significantly reduces empathy toward them.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Schindlerโ€™s List' illustrate the horrors of dehumanization and its impact during wartime.
  • Books such as 'Night' by Elie Wiesel depict personal experiences of dehumanization in concentration camps.
  • Television shows sometimes address dehumanization through characters in dystopian settings, provoking thought about today's society.

Social Movements

  • Various civil rights movements have fought against dehumanization, emphasizing the importance of recognizing everyone's humanity.
  • Language campaigns aim to combat dehumanization, encouraging respectful terms for marginalized groups.
  • Activism addressing societal stereotypes seeks to undo the harm caused by dehumanizing narratives.

Education

  • Educators use historical accounts to teach the effects of dehumanization, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
  • Workshops on empathy often include lessons on recognizing and countering dehumanizing language and behaviors.
  • Encouraging discussions in classrooms about human connections helps combat dehumanization from an early age.

Origin of 'dehumanization'

The concept of dehumanization has been studied extensively in the fields of psychology, sociology, and philosophy. It has been a recurring theme in discussions about prejudice, discrimination, and violence throughout history. The roots of dehumanization can be traced back to early philosophical debates about the nature of humanity and continue to be relevant in contemporary debates about social justice and human rights.

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

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,176 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.