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

At the beginning of this year England were humiliated in the Ashes.

Read more on BBC

Satire is meant to embarrass and humiliate, to call out through humor the indefensible.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Do not feel sorry for me because my wife and my children are by my side... but this morning I feel deep sorrow for a France humiliated by a will for revenge."

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For a man who always liked the trappings of royalty, the pomp and the ceremony, the loss of his titles is deeply humiliating.

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“Venezuela will not be humiliated. Venezuela will bow to no one. Venezuela will continue on its path of peace, harmony, and stability.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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