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Dehumanization: meaning, definitions and examples

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dehumanization

 

[ diːˌhjuːmənaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "dehumanization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desumanização

🇮🇳 मनुष्यत्वहीनता

🇩🇪 Entmenschlichung

🇮🇩 dehumanisasi

🇺🇦 дегуманізація

🇵🇱 dehumanizacja

🇯🇵 非人間化 (ひにんげんか)

🇫🇷 déshumanisation

🇪🇸 deshumanización

🇹🇷 insanlıktan çıkarma

🇰🇷 비인간화

🇸🇦 تجريد من الإنسانية

🇨🇿 dehumanizace

🇸🇰 dehumanizácia

🇨🇳 非人化 (fēirénhuà)

🇸🇮 dehumanizacija

🇮🇸 afmennskun

🇰🇿 адамзаттан айыру

🇬🇪 დეადამიანიზაცია

🇦🇿 insanlıqdan çıxarma

🇲🇽 deshumanización

Etymology

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.