humiliation
UK: hjuːˌmɪliˈeɪʃən | US: hjuːˌmɪliˈeɪʃən
n. the act of making someone feel ashamed or foolish by injuring their dignity or self-respect
n. the state of being humiliated or disgraced
humiliation = humil<low, humble> + iation<noun suffix>
- humil (from Latin humilis, meaning "low, humble," derived from humus "ground")
- iation (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state, from Latin -atio)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin humiliare ("to humble"), rooted in humilis ("lowly"), which itself comes from humus ("ground"). This reflects the metaphorical idea of being "brought down to the ground" in status or dignity. Over time, the term evolved in English to emphasize the emotional weight of being degraded or shamed.
His public humiliation left him avoiding social gatherings for months.
The team’s defeat was a humiliation they struggled to overcome.
She felt deep humiliation after her mistake was exposed.
The dictator used humiliation as a tool to control dissent.
Losing the debate competition was a minor humiliation, but he learned from it.