To make someone feel small or unimportant by criticizing them or treating them as insignificant.
From 'be-' (cause to be) plus 'little' (small). The word emerged in the 1700s, famously used in the Federalist Papers when Alexander Hamilton criticized President Thomas Jefferson.
Belittling is recognized by psychologists as a form of emotional abuse that damages self-esteem and confidence—interestingly, people who belittle others often do so to inflate their own sense of superiority, revealing deep insecurity.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.