DEHUMANISING

Definition of DEHUMANISING

DEHUMANISING Adjective and Verb

Dehumanising is both an adjective and a verb. As an adjective, it describes actions, attitudes, or processes that strip individuals or groups of their human qualities, dignity, or worth. As a verb, dehumanise means to treat individuals in a way that denies their humanity or reduces them to less than human.

DEHUMANISING as an adjective

Stripping of Human Qualities: As an adjective, dehumanising characterizes actions or processes that strip individuals of their human qualities or dignity. For example, “The dehumanising language used in the report reduced people to mere statistics,” indicates that the language treated individuals as less than human.

Undermining Dignity: Dehumanising can also refer to practices or behaviors that undermine an individual’s dignity and respect. For instance, “The dehumanising treatment of prisoners in certain facilities has been widely criticized,” highlights how such treatment affects the dignity of individuals.

Marginalization or Mistreatment: In some contexts, dehumanising describes actions that lead to the marginalization or mistreatment of individuals by denying them their human value. For example, “Dehumanising propaganda can lead to widespread prejudice and discrimination,” shows how such practices can result in social harm.

DEHUMANISING as a verb

To Strip of Human Qualities: As a verb, dehumanise means to strip individuals of their human qualities or dignity. For example, “The regime sought to dehumanise its opponents through harsh and oppressive policies,” describes the act of treating people in a way that denies their humanity.

To Undermine Dignity: Dehumanise also involves actions that undermine an individual’s dignity and respect. For instance, “The use of dehumanising tactics in wartime can lead to severe psychological and social consequences,” highlights how such actions affect people’s dignity.

To Marginalize or Mistreat: In another context, dehumanise refers to the act of marginalizing or mistreating individuals by denying them their human value. For example, “Racist ideologies dehumanise certain groups, leading to systemic discrimination and violence,” illustrates its impact on social dynamics.

Context in Social and Psychological Settings: Dehumanising is an important concept in social and psychological settings, where it relates to the treatment of individuals and the impact on their mental and emotional well-being. For example, “Dehumanising experiences can have severe psychological effects on victims,” underscores its impact on mental health.

Importance in Human Rights and Ethics: Understanding dehumanising is crucial in human rights and ethical discussions, as it addresses the importance of recognizing and maintaining the inherent dignity of all individuals. For instance, “Human rights advocacy often focuses on combating dehumanising practices to uphold human dignity,” highlights its relevance in promoting respect and equality.

Impact on Interpersonal Relationships and Society: Recognizing dehumanising helps in fostering respectful interpersonal relationships and creating a more equitable society. For example, “Efforts to reduce dehumanising behavior can improve social cohesion and mutual respect,” shows its role in promoting positive social interactions and understanding.

Dehumanising is both an adjective and a verb that describes actions or processes that strip individuals or groups of their human qualities, dignity, or worth. As an adjective, it characterizes behavior or conditions that undermine human dignity. As a verb, dehumanise involves treating individuals in a way that denies their humanity or reduces their perceived worth. Understanding dehumanising highlights its significance in addressing issues related to dignity, respect, and human rights, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the inherent value of all individuals.

DEMEANING

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BELITTLING

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DISHONOURING

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DISCONTENT

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Examples of DEHUMANISING in a sentence

DEHUMANISING as an adjective in a sentence

• The dehumanising treatment of prisoners in the camp sparked outrage across the world.
• Working under such dehumanising conditions can have long-lasting psychological effects on employees.
• The dehumanising language used by the politician created a hostile atmosphere toward marginalized communities.
• Many survivors spoke of the dehumanising tactics used to break their spirits during the war.
• The factory’s dehumanising policies made workers feel like disposable cogs in a machine.
• She found the dehumanising portrayal of certain characters in the film to be deeply offensive.
• The dehumanising aspects of modern technology, like excessive surveillance, were criticized in the report.
• The dehumanising nature of the task, where workers were treated like robots, led to widespread protests.

DEHUMANISING as a verb in a sentence

• The soldiers were trained to avoid dehumanising their enemies, focusing instead on justice and fairness.
• The government’s policies were criticized for dehumanising refugees by denying them basic rights.
• She accused the media of dehumanising celebrities by constantly invading their privacy.
• The system seemed to dehumanise individuals, reducing them to mere numbers on a spreadsheet.
• Using such harsh punishment can dehumanise students, damaging their self-worth and confidence.
• By focusing only on profits, the company was dehumanising its employees, ignoring their well-being.
• In her speech, she called for an end to the dehumanising rhetoric used against migrants.
• He argued that poverty was often a result of dehumanising policies that neglected the vulnerable.

Origin of DEHUMANISING

Dehumanising traces its origins back to the Latin word dehumanizāre, which means “to remove human qualities from” or “to treat as less than human.” This term combines de- (down, away) and humanus (human).

• Latin: Dehumanizāre (to remove human qualities), from de- (down, away) and humanus (human).
• Early Modern English: The Latin dehumanizāre evolved into Early Modern English as dehumanize, meaning “to deprive of human qualities or attributes.”
• Modern English: The term entered Modern English as dehumanising, referring to the process or act of treating someone as less than human, often through inhumane or degrading actions.

In contemporary English, dehumanising refers to the act of treating people in a way that removes their human qualities, reducing them to a state of less than human or stripping them of their dignity and individuality. It emphasizes actions or behaviors that deny others their humanity. The term has evolved from its Latin roots of removing human qualities to describe processes that diminish or strip away human dignity and worth. Dehumanising highlights the impact of treating individuals as less than human.

UNCHARITABLE

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CONTEMPTUOUS

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DISHONOURING

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AFROCENTRISM

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