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

But set against Ferguson’s gushing praise for Epstein elsewhere in the emails, this can only be seen as deeply humiliating for the former duchess.

From BBC

"I felt like such an idiot and it was humiliating."

From BBC

They called the system "effectively paralysing and humiliating" given the number of people involved, and said it had generated widespread dissatisfaction among traders.

From BBC

I feel like I’m done talking about these kids, and especially since Brooklyn Beckham has come out and publicly humiliated his entire family.

From Los Angeles Times

"These broadcasts also aim at humiliating and destroying dissidents' credibility while reminding the public of the high cost of challenging the state," she added.

From Barron's

Related Words

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