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

"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

And yet this battle of improbables feels familiar—and, somehow, humiliating for the New York Jets.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the image had been digitally altered — in the original, Armstrong appeared stoic and determined — and appeared to be designed to humiliate her before trial.

From Salon

The goal "is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them", the document says.

From BBC

Dealings with Goodman, however, had felt hostile and left her father feeling “humiliated” and like they had no option but to leave.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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