depersonalizing
|de/per/son/al/iz/ing|
🇺🇸
/ˌdiːpərˈsənəˌlaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˌdiːpəˈsɜː(r)nəlaɪz/
(depersonalize)
make impersonal / remove personal identity
Etymology
'depersonalize' originates from Latin elements: the prefix 'de-' (from Latin 'dē-' meaning 'off, away, reverse') combined with 'personalize', which is built on Latin 'persona' where 'persona' meant 'mask' or 'person'.
'persona' in Latin gave rise to Old French 'personne' and Middle English 'person'; this led to the adjective 'personal' in English, then the verb 'personalize' (to make personal). The prefix 'de-' was added in Modern English to form 'depersonalize' (to remove personal attributes).
Initially related to 'persona' meaning 'mask' or 'person', the modern verb 'depersonalize' came to mean 'to remove personal or individual characteristics' or, in psychology, 'to produce a sense of detachment from oneself'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to remove or reduce personal qualities, individuality, or identifying characteristics; to make impersonal.
Depersonalizing record-keeping can speed up processing, but it may frustrate customers who want a personal touch.
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Verb 2
in psychology/medicine: to cause someone to experience depersonalization — a feeling of detachment from one's self, thoughts, or body.
After the accident he began depersonalizing, reporting episodes in which he felt detached from his own body.
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Adjective 1
describing something that makes people or interactions impersonal or reduces individuality (used of processes, systems, or actions).
The depersonalizing policies led to a sense of alienation among staff.
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Last updated: 2025/10/12 13:56