humiliate
UK: hjuːˈmɪlɪeɪt | US: hjuːˈmɪlɪeɪt
vt. to make someone feel ashamed or foolish, especially by injuring their dignity or pride
humiliate = humil<low, humble> + ate<verb suffix>
- humil (from Latin humilis, meaning "low, humble")
- ate (a verb-forming suffix indicating action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word "humiliate" traces back to the Latin humiliare ("to humble"), derived from humilis ("low, humble"), which itself comes from humus ("earth, ground"). The core idea is of bringing someone "down to earth," metaphorically reducing their status or pride. Over time, the term evolved in English to specifically emphasize the act of causing shame or embarrassment, retaining its connection to the concept of lowering someone's dignity.
The coach's harsh criticism humiliated the young player in front of the team.
She felt humiliated after tripping on stage during the performance.
Publicly exposing someone's mistakes can humiliate them unnecessarily.
He refused to apologize, fearing it would humiliate him further.
The dictator sought to humiliate his opponents through propaganda.