Humiliated: meaning, definitions and examples

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humiliated

[hjʊˈmɪlɪeɪtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling

To feel ashamed or embarrassed, especially in front of others, due to a perceived failure or humiliation.

Synonyms

ashamed, disgraced, embarrassed, mortified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
humiliated	Used when someone feels completely belittled and their dignity is damaged, often by someone else. It's a very strong and painful feeling. She felt humiliated when her mistake was pointed out in front of everyone
embarrassed	Used when someone feels uncomfortable or awkward, often in social situations and usually over something minor or trivial. She was embarrassed when she forgot her lines during the play
ashamed	Used when someone feels regret for something they have done wrong. There is a sense of personal guilt and remorse. He was ashamed of lying to his friends
mortified	Used when someone feels extreme embarrassment or shame, often to the point where they wish they could disappear. He was mortified when he realized he had called his boss the wrong name
disgraced	Used when someone has lost respect or honor, often publicly. It usually implies a severe loss of reputation. The politician was disgraced after the corruption scandal was revealed

Examples of usage

I felt humiliated when I tripped and fell in front of everyone.
She was humiliated by her boss's public criticism of her work.
The team was humiliated by their defeat in the championship game.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To cause someone to feel ashamed or embarrassed, often by publicly criticizing or degrading them.

Synonyms

degrade, embarrass, mock, shame.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
humiliated	This term is used when someone feels a deep sense of shame or disgrace, often publicly. It usually implies a serious emotional impact. He felt humiliated after being scolded in front of the whole class. She was humiliated when her private emails were shared online.
shame	Shame is used when someone feels a deep sense of guilt or disgrace, usually in a moral or ethical context. It often involves self-reproach. He was filled with shame after lying to his best friend. She couldn't hide her shame after failing to uphold the promise.
embarrass	Embarrass is suitable for less severe situations where someone feels awkward, uncomfortable, or self-conscious, often in a social setting. I didn't mean to embarrass you by pointing out the mistake. She was embarrassed when she realized she had been talking to the wrong person.
degrade	Degrade is typically used in situations where someone or something is being lowered in dignity, value, or quality. It can apply to both people and things. The boss's constant criticism began to degrade her self-esteem. The pollution will degrade the quality of water in the river.
mock	Mock is used when someone is making fun of another person, often in a mean or cruel way. It involves sarcasm or ridicule and carries a negative implication. They mocked his accent, making him feel isolated from the group. The comedian often mock celebrities during his performances.

Examples of usage

The teacher humiliated the student by mocking his answer in front of the class.
The bully humiliated his victim by spreading rumors about him.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin term 'humilitas', which means 'lowliness' or 'humility'.
Originally, the term was related to being physically close to the ground, which reflects a feeling of lower status.

Psychology

Feeling humiliated often leads to a strong emotional response, including anger, sadness, or withdrawal.
Psychological studies show that humiliation can affect self-esteem and lead to social anxiety in some individuals.

Pop Culture

Many movies explore themes of humiliation, often leading characters to personal growth or revenge.
Reality TV shows frequently include humiliating situations for participants, making them relatable to audiences.

Historical Context

In ancient Rome, humiliation was a common punishment for criminals, stripping them of their dignity in public.
Historically, public shaming was used as a tool for social control, where people could be humiliated for their misdeeds.

Literature

In many classic novels, characters experience humiliation as a catalyst for change, influencing their motivations and actions.
Authors like Charles Dickens often depicted social humiliation to critique societal norms and provoke empathy.

Translations

Translations of the word "humiliated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 humilhado

🇮🇳 अपमानित

🇩🇪 erniedrigt

🇮🇩 terhina

🇺🇦 принижений

🇵🇱 upokorzony

🇯🇵 屈辱を受けた

🇫🇷 humilié

🇪🇸 humillado

🇹🇷 aşağılanmış

🇰🇷 굴욕적인

🇸🇦 مُهَان

🇨🇿 ponížený

🇸🇰 ponížený

🇨🇳 受辱

🇸🇮 ponižen

🇮🇸 niðurbrotið

🇰🇿 қорланған

🇬🇪 დამდაბლებული

🇦🇿 alçaldılmış

🇲🇽 humillado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,589, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16586 embarking
16587 vindicated
16588 ovulation
16589 humiliated
16590 eclectic
16591 triumphed
16592 kinsman
...