dehumanize Definition
- 1to deprive of human qualities or attributes; divest of individuality
- 2to make someone feel less than human, often by treating them cruelly or denying their basic rights and needs
Using dehumanize: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dehumanize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The prisoners were dehumanized and treated like animals.
Example
The use of derogatory language can dehumanize people and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Example
Slavery is a system that dehumanizes both the enslaved and the slave owners.
Example
The media's portrayal of refugees often dehumanizes them and reduces them to statistics.
dehumanize Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for dehumanize
Antonyms for dehumanize
Phrases with dehumanize
work that is monotonous, repetitive, and lacking in creativity, making workers feel like machines rather than humans
Example
Many factory jobs are considered dehumanizing work.
treatment that strips people of their dignity and humanity, often through physical or emotional abuse
Example
The refugees were subjected to dehumanizing treatment at the border.
language that reduces people to objects or stereotypes, denying their individuality and humanity
Example
The use of racial slurs is a form of dehumanizing language.
Origins of dehumanize
from de- 'opposite of' + humanize 'to make human'
Summary: dehumanize in Brief
The verb 'dehumanize' [dee-hyoo-muh-nahyz] means to deprive someone of their human qualities or attributes, often by treating them cruelly or denying their basic rights and needs. It can also refer to work that is monotonous and repetitive, making workers feel like machines rather than humans. Examples of dehumanizing treatment include the use of derogatory language and physical or emotional abuse.
