humiliation

[hjuːmɪliˈeɪʃ(ə)n]

humiliation Definition

• 1. the feeling of being ashamed or losing respect or dignity
• 2. the act of causing someone to feel ashamed or lose respect or dignity

Using humiliation: Examples

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

• Example

  He suffered the humiliation of being fired in front of his colleagues.

• Example

  The team's defeat was a great humiliation for them.

• Example

  She felt a deep sense of humiliation when her mistake was pointed out in public.

humiliation Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for humiliation

• embarrassment
• shame
• disgrace
• indignity
• mortification

Antonyms for humiliation

• pride
• honor

Idioms Using humiliation

• eat humble pie

  to admit one's faults or errors and apologize humbly

  Example

  After his rude behavior towards his colleagues, he had to eat humble pie and apologize to them.

• take the wind out of someone's sails

  to cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm by humiliating or embarrassing them

  Example

  The coach's harsh criticism took the wind out of the team's sails, making them feel demoralized and defeated.

• cut someone down to size

  to humiliate or criticize someone in order to make them less arrogant or overconfident

  Example

  The boss cut him down to size by pointing out his mistakes and reminding him of his place in the company.

Phrases with humiliation

• public humiliation

  the act of causing someone to feel ashamed or lose respect or dignity in front of others

  Example

  The teacher's scolding was a form of public humiliation that left the student feeling embarrassed and ashamed.

• humiliation ritual

  a practice in some cultures where individuals are subjected to public ridicule or shaming as part of a rite of passage or initiation ceremony

  Example

  The humiliation ritual was an important part of the tribe's initiation ceremony, symbolizing the transition from childhood to adulthood.

• self-humiliation

  the act of causing oneself to feel ashamed or lose respect or dignity

  Example

  Her constant self-criticism and negative self-talk were forms of self-humiliation that affected her mental health.

Origins of humiliation

from Latin 'humiliatio', meaning 'a lowering'

📌

Summary: humiliation in Brief

The term 'humiliation' [hjuːmɪliˈeɪʃ(ə)n] refers to the feeling of shame or loss of respect and dignity, or the act of causing someone to feel this way. Examples include being fired in front of colleagues or suffering a defeat. Phrases like 'public humiliation' and 'self-humiliation' describe different contexts, while idioms like 'eat humble pie' and 'cut someone down to size' illustrate the effects of humiliation.