humiliate

American  

[hyoo-mil-ee-eyt, yoo-] / hyuˈmɪl iˌeɪt, yu- /

verb (used with object)

humiliated, humiliating

1. to cause (a person) a painful loss of pride, self-respect, or dignity.

   Synonyms:

   debase, abase, degrade, degrade, shame, mortify, disgrace, disgrace, dishonor

   Antonyms:

   elevate, exalt, dignify

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humiliate British  

/ hjuːˈmɪlɪˌeɪt, hjuːˈmɪljətɪv /

verb

1. (tr) to lower or hurt the dignity or pride of

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Related Words

See ashamed, humbled.

Other Word Forms

• humiliated adjective
• humiliating adjective
• humiliatingly adverb
• humiliation noun
• humiliative adjective
• humiliator noun
• humiliatory adjective
• rehumiliate verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of humiliate

First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin humiliātus (past participle of humiliāre “to humble”), equivalent to Latin humili(s) humble + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Well, at least as long as the family can keep more humiliating pictures of him hanging out with his parents from leaking to the press.

From Salon

After a humiliating League Cup loss at fourth tier Grimsby in August, United have exited both domestic cups at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981-82.

From Barron's

On a Sydney pitch offering plenty of turn and frequent uneven bounce, the tourists could have folded to a final humiliating defeat, possibly by an innings.

From BBC

A photo circulated of a humiliated Mr. Maduro in a rumpled track suit and handcuffs in U.S. custody.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gallantry is being the victor and refusing to humiliate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confuse
• crush
• degrade
• demean
• depress
• disgrace
• humble
• shame
• snub
• subdue