Humiliate
hjuːˈmɪlieɪt
Definitions
To cause (someone) to feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and pride.
hjuːˈmɪlieɪt
To cause someone to feel ashamed or embarrassed.
She felt humiliated when she was called out in front of the class.
💡 Simply: Imagine you tell a joke and nobody laughs, or you trip in public. That feeling of being super embarrassed? That's being humiliated! It's when something makes you feel silly or ashamed in front of others.
👶 For kids: Making someone feel bad about themself, like when they do something silly and everyone laughs.
More Examples
The public criticism served to humiliate the politician.
He tried to humiliate his opponent during the debate, but it backfired.
How It's Used
"He was humiliated in front of his friends when he forgot the answer."
"Humiliation can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem."
From Latin *humiliāre*, meaning "to make low, humble," from *humilis* meaning "low, humble," ultimately from *humus* meaning "earth." The word entered English in the late 16th century.
The word was initially used in religious contexts, referring to the act of making oneself humble before God or a higher power, then evolved to its modern meaning.
Memory tip
Think of someone being made 'low' in their self-esteem, just like the root word 'humble.'