humiliate

[hjuːˈmɪliˌeɪt]

humiliate Definition

to make someone feel ashamed or stupid, especially in front of other people.

Using humiliate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "humiliate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was humiliated by his boss in front of his colleagues.

  • Example

    The defeat humiliated the team and their fans.

  • Example

    She felt humiliated when her mistake was pointed out in public.

humiliate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for humiliate

Antonyms for humiliate

Phrases with humiliate

  • to do something that makes oneself look foolish or embarrassed

    Example

    He humiliated himself by tripping over his own feet.

  • to force someone to do something by making them feel ashamed or embarrassed

    Example

    The boss humiliated him into working overtime by threatening to fire him.

  • to embarrass or shame someone in front of others

    Example

    The teacher humiliated the student in public by calling him stupid.

Origins of humiliate

from Latin 'humilis', meaning 'lowly'

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Summary: humiliate in Brief

To 'humiliate' [hjuːˈmɪliˌeɪt] someone is to make them feel ashamed or stupid, especially in front of others. It can be done intentionally or unintentionally, and can have long-lasting effects on a person's self-esteem. Examples include being humiliated by a boss or feeling humiliated when a mistake is pointed out in public. Phrases like 'humiliate oneself' and 'humiliate someone into doing something' further illustrate the concept.

How do native speakers use this expression?