Humiliate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
humiliate
[hjuหหmษชlษชeษชt ]
Definitions
in a social setting
To humiliate someone is to make them feel ashamed and foolish, often in front of others. It involves demeaning and degrading someone in a way that damages their self-esteem.
Synonyms
degrade, disgrace, embarrass, shame.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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humiliate |
Use this word when someone is made to feel very embarrassed or ashamed, often in front of others. It's a strong word and usually implies a deep emotional impact.
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embarrass |
Use this word for situations that cause someone to feel awkward or uncomfortable, usually in social situations. It's less severe than 'humiliate'.
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shame |
This word is used for making someone feel guilty or inferior because they have done something wrong or socially unacceptable. It has a moral or ethical implication.
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disgrace |
This word applies when someone loses respect or honor, often publicly. It often implies that the person or their actions are shameful.
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degrade |
This word is used when someone is treated with a lack of respect, often reducing their dignity and self-worth. It has a strong negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She felt humiliated when her boss criticized her in front of her colleagues.
- He humiliated his opponent with his superior skills in the game.
- The bully's actions were aimed at humiliating his classmates.
in a personal relationship
To humiliate someone in a personal relationship is to hurt their feelings deeply, causing emotional pain and damage to the relationship.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
humiliate |
When you want to describe making someone feel deeply embarrassed or ashamed, often publicly.
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hurt |
When referring to causing physical pain or emotional pain.
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offend |
This is used when causing someone to feel resentment, anger, or hurt, often because of something said or done.
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upset |
Used to describe making someone feel anxious, unhappy, or disturbed.
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betray |
When you describe someone breaking trust or loyalty, revealing secrets or turning against someone.
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Examples of usage
- She was humiliated by her partner's public display of anger towards her.
- He never intended to humiliate her, but his words had a lasting impact.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Humiliation can lead to long-lasting emotional effects, such as anxiety and depression, as it challenges an individualโs self-worth.
- Experiencing humiliation can sometimes result in aggressive behavior, as people may react defensively when they feel belittled.
Literature
- Many classic works, like Shakespeare's plays, explore themes of humiliation, often highlighting the destructive impact it has on characters.
- In contemporary novels, characters may struggle with feelings of humiliation, which is a common theme in coming-of-age stories.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, public shaming was historically used as a social tool, reflecting how humiliation varies in significance across societies.
- Modern social media has transformed humiliation into a phenomenon called 'cancel culture,' where public opinion can rapidly ostracize individuals.
Origin of 'humiliate'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'humiliare' which means 'to make low', showing the idea of lowering someoneโs dignity.
- In Latin, 'humilis' means 'lowly,' connecting the act of humiliation to a loss of status or self-esteem.
The word 'humiliate' originated from the Latin word 'humiliatus', which means 'made humble'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of humiliation has been prevalent throughout history, often used as a form of punishment or control. Humiliation can have lasting effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being, making it a sensitive and impactful word in human interactions.
See also: humiliated, humiliating, humiliatingly, humiliation.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,888, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 23885 gramophone
- 23886 winnings
- 23887 uninhibited
- 23888 humiliate
- 23889 jumbled
- 23890 insistently
- 23891 improbability
- ...