humiliate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'humiliate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an act or situation that causes someone to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or inferior. For example: "The bully's cruel words humiliated the small child in front of the entire class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During evidence on the behaviour of nuns from the Sisters of Nazareth order at two Catholic church-run children's homes in Derry, the inquiry heard that children were beaten for bedwetting and had soiled sheets placed on their heads to humiliate them.

The Guardian

I count myself among their number, but feel I'm not alone in my dismay in witnessing the disgraceful behaviour of the current officials of the remnants of this great union in their efforts to humiliate Arthur Scargill.

The Guardian

"One time," he said, "I heard a father in a meeting with married couples say 'I sometimes have to smack my children a bit, but never in the face so as not to humiliate them'".

The Guardian - Opinion

He would shower her with affection one minute and, the next, humiliate her in public.

The Guardian

Nigel Farage's band did well enough at some of 2012's byelections to humiliate the Lib Dems and scare the Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

Undoubtedly, there is no evidence that the Sri Lankan armed forces have systematically used rape as a tactic of war – when soldiers rape en masse in order to terrorise, violate and humiliate the "other".

The Guardian - Opinion

Under Section 18C it is unlawful "to do an act that is reasonably likely to 'offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate' someone because of their race or ethnicity", the Human Rights Commission says.

The Guardian

But suffering did not ennoble her: just the opposite, and in the end she did her utmost to humiliate her husband.

The Economist

Amnesty International has accused the American government of trying to humiliate and intimidate them.Much of the controversy about the treatment of the prisoners was fuelled by Mr Rumsfeld's own tough talk earlier this month and dismissive attitude towards anyone expressing concern about them.

The Economist

On Wednesday, the Daily Telegraph accused the official spokesman of treating reporters with contempt and using his "sharp wit" to humiliate them.

The Economist

Mr Rove raises the spectre of the Democrats taking over Congress and then using their newfound power to humiliate the administration with endless investigations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "humiliate", consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. Choose synonyms like "mortify" or "shame" for stronger emphasis, or "belittle" for a milder effect.

Common error

While "humiliate" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "discredit" or "undermine" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "humiliate" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of causing someone to feel deeply ashamed or foolish. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples demonstrating its role in active constructions where a subject performs the action of humiliating an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "humiliate" is a versatile transitive verb used to describe the act of causing someone to feel deeply ashamed or foolish. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary grammatical function involves active constructions focused on degrading others. Frequently found in News & Media, the term carries a neutral register, although it leans toward formal use. While interchangeable with alternatives like "degrade" or "mortify", selecting the most appropriate synonym depends on the desired intensity. Remember to consider the specific context to ensure proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

degrade

Emphasizes a reduction in someone's status or moral character.

mortify

Implies a deep sense of shame and embarrassment.

shame

Focuses on the feeling of disgrace or dishonor.

abase

Suggests lowering someone's position or dignity.

demean

Highlights actions that lower someone's self-respect.

disgrace

Indicates a loss of reputation or honor.

belittle

Focuses on making someone feel unimportant.

chagrin

Emphasizes a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or failure.

dishonor

Implies a loss of honor or respect.

abase oneself

Highlights a situation where an individual lowers themselves.

FAQs

How can I use "humiliate" in a sentence?

You can use "humiliate" to describe the act of causing someone to feel ashamed and foolish, such as: "The dictator sought to humiliate his opponents publicly."

What's the difference between "humiliate" and "embarrass"?

"Humiliate" implies a deeper level of shame and loss of dignity compared to simply "embarrass". Humiliation often involves a deliberate intent to cause distress, whereas embarrassment can be accidental.

Are there formal alternatives to "humiliate"?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider using "degrade", "demean", or "discredit" as alternatives to "humiliate", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What words are similar in meaning to "humiliate"?

Words with similar meanings include "mortify", "shame", "abase", and "belittle". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired intensity of the feeling.