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Dehumanizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dehumanizing

[diหหˆhjuหmษ™naษชzษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in social context

Dehumanizing refers to the act of depriving someone of human qualities. It can involve treating a person as if they are not worthy of respect or empathy, often leading to discrimination, violence, or oppression.

Synonyms

degrading, dehumanising, depersonalizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dehumanizing

Repeated word; see 'dehumanizing' above.

  • Technological advancements should not result in dehumanizing workers.
  • The social media company's policies were accused of being dehumanizing.
degrading

Typically refers to actions or situations that diminish someoneโ€™s self-respect or make them feel inferior. Often used in social or personal contexts where someone is humiliated or belittled.

  • The employee found the public reprimand degrading.
  • She quit her job due to the degrading comments from her boss.
depersonalizing

Describes actions or conditions that make individuals lose their personal identity or sense of self. Often used in clinical, technological, or bureaucratic settings.

  • The automated system made customer interactions feel depersonalizing.
  • He felt that the hospital's procedures were depersonalizing.
dehumanising

British English spelling of 'dehumanizing'. It carries the same connotations and is used in similar settings.

  • The prisoners' treatment in jail was dehumanising.
  • Such laws were condemned as dehumanising.

Examples of usage

  • His dehumanizing comments towards immigrants sparked outrage.
  • The dehumanizing treatment of prisoners in the detention center was condemned by human rights organizations.
Context #2 | Verb

in psychological context

To dehumanize is to strip someone of their individuality and humanity, often reducing them to mere objects or stereotypes. This can lead to feelings of alienation, isolation, and powerlessness.

Synonyms

degrade, dehumanise, depersonalize.

Examples of usage

  • The propaganda campaign aimed to dehumanize the enemy and justify the war.
  • Constant bullying can dehumanize the victim and damage their self-esteem.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, certain groups have been dehumanized during wars and conflicts, often to justify mistreatment and violence.
  • The phrase originated in the 20th century, related to human rights abuses and systemic oppression faced by marginalized communities.
  • Dehumanization has been a tactic in propaganda, where enemies are portrayed as less than human to rally support for aggression.

Psychology

  • Research shows that dehumanizing others can lead to greater acceptance of violence against them, as it reduces empathy.
  • When individuals are depicted without human-like characteristics, observers are less likely to question unethical behaviors against them.
  • Cognitive dissonance plays a role; individuals often dehumanize others to reconcile their actions with personal morals.

Pop Culture

  • Films about dystopian societies often showcase dehumanizing practices as a commentary on power and control.
  • Literature explores dehumanization through characters who face objectification, asking readers to empathize with their struggles.
  • Video games sometimes incorporate dehumanizing elements to challenge players to confront their own morality in virtual violence.

Sociology

  • Social hierarchies can reinforce dehumanizing attitudes, as dominant groups may dismiss the humanity of those they perceive as 'other.'
  • Social media can amplify dehumanizing behaviors, where anonymity allows individuals to attack others without repercussions.
  • Cultural factors, such as racism or sexism, can perpetuate dehumanizing stereotypes that harm specific groups in society.

Education

  • Educational programs focusing on empathy and diversity aim to counteract dehumanizing attitudes in school settings.
  • Dehumanization in educational systems often affects marginalized students, leading to disparities in treatment and opportunity.
  • Critiques of textbooks may highlight instances where historical figures or groups were dehumanized to present a biased perspective on events.

Origin of 'dehumanizing'

The term 'dehumanizing' has roots in the mid-19th century, where it was first used to describe the process of depriving individuals of their human qualities or rights. It gained prominence during times of war, genocide, and social injustice, highlighting the dangers of reducing people to mere objects or enemies. The concept of dehumanization continues to be studied in psychology, sociology, and ethics, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting the humanity of all individuals.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,270, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.