humiliate

[hyoo-mil-ee-eyt, yoo-]

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

humiliate

/ hjuːˈmɪlɪˌeɪt, hjuːˈmɪljətɪv /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of humiliate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of humiliate¹

C16: from Late Latin humiliāre, from Latin humilis _humble

Synonym Study

See ashamed, humbled.

Example Sentences

The Raiders are looking to bounce back from a humiliating loss at home by two touchdowns to Cleveland.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

World champions South Africa humiliated woeful Wales by inflicting a record home defeat on their hosts.

Read more on BBC

His team had just been humiliated in front of 50,000 people, so to then have to speak to TV and radio is incredibly difficult.

Read more on BBC

Coach Brendon McCullum urged England fans to "keep the faith" and said there would be no change in approach after their humiliating capitulation in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

Read more on Barron's

By revealing the scandal as guests enjoy their turkey, Buddy hopes to humiliate his enemy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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