What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dehumanise
Example
The prisoners were dehumanised by being forced to wear uniforms and have their heads shaved. [dehumanised: past tense]
Example
The media's constant portrayal of immigrants as criminals and terrorists serves to dehumanise them in the eyes of the public. [dehumanise: verb]
dehumanize
Example
The soldiers were ordered to dehumanize the enemy so that they could kill without remorse. [dehumanize: verb]
Example
The use of animal metaphors to describe refugees is a common tactic used to dehumanize them. [dehumanize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dehumanize is more commonly used in American English while dehumanise is more commonly used in British English. However, both words are relatively uncommon and may not be familiar to beginner ESL learners.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dehumanise and dehumanize?
Both dehumanise and dehumanize are formal words that are typically used in academic or serious contexts, such as discussions of human rights violations or propaganda techniques.
