humiliate

Humiliate is a transitive verb meaning to cause someone to feel ashamed, foolish, or degraded by injuring their dignity or self-respect. It can involve public ridicule, exposure of mistakes, or belittling remarks, and it may be carried out deliberately or occur unintentionally through insensitive behavior.

The term derives from Latin humiliare, "to bring to the ground," and ultimately from humus, "earth." It entered English via Old French and Middle English, broadening from literal subjugation to social and emotional humiliation over time.

Humiliation occurs in many social contexts, including schools, workplaces, families, and online spaces. It reflects power imbalances and can be used as punishment or coercion. Many psychologists and ethicists view humiliating treatment as harmful and ethically problematic.

Potential effects include shame, reduced self-esteem, anxiety, and strained relationships. Repeated humiliation can contribute to longer-term mental health problems. Professional guidelines in education, healthcare, and the workplace discourage public humiliation and emphasize respectful, private feedback and supportive, restorative approaches to conflict.

Related concepts include shame, degradation, mortification, and disdain. Synonyms include degrade and shame; antonyms include dignify, honor, praise.