dehumanized
|de-hum-an-ized|
/diːˈhjuːmənaɪz/
(dehumanize)
removal of human qualities
Etymology
'dehumanize' originates from French and English formation: specifically the French word 'déshumaniser' and the English elements 'de-' + 'humanize', where 'de-' meant 'removal' and 'humanus' (Latin) meant 'human'.
'dehumanize' developed by combining the prefix 'de-' with the verb 'humanize' (itself from Latin 'humanus' via French/English). The word appears in English in the 19th century, influenced by French 'déshumaniser'.
Initially, it meant 'to make less human' or 'to deprive of human nature'; over time it has retained this core sense and is now commonly used in moral, social, and political contexts to describe treating people as less than human.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to deprive (a person or group) of positive human qualities, dignity, or individuality; to treat someone as an object or less than human.
Propaganda dehumanized the refugees, making it easier for people to ignore their suffering.
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Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'dehumanize'.
They dehumanized their workers through harsh surveillance and relentless quotas.
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Adjective 1
describing a person, group, or treatment that has been deprived of human qualities or dignity; treated as less than human.
The dehumanized prisoners felt they had lost all personal identity.
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Last updated: 2025/09/12 21:55