To make someone feel very ashamed, foolish, or small in front of others.
From Late Latin “humiliare,” meaning “to make humble” or “to bring low,” from Latin “humilis” (low). It originally suggested lowering someone’s status or pride.
To humiliate someone is literally to push them “down to the ground” socially. That’s why public humiliation can hurt so deeply—it attacks a person’s standing in the group, not just their feelings.
Humiliation has been used as a tool of gendered control—such as shaming women for sexuality, appearance, or nonconformity, and using public humiliation to enforce gender norms. Language around humiliation often encodes double standards for what is considered shameful for different genders.
Avoid using ‘humiliate’ lightly, especially in relation to bodies, sexuality, or social status; be aware of historical patterns where women and gender minorities are targets of humiliating treatment.
["deeply embarrass","degrade","shame"]
Women activists and survivors have challenged practices of public and private humiliation, reframing them as abuses of power rather than personal failings.
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