Word: Dehumanization
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Dehumanization is the act of treating people as if they are not fully human or do not have the qualities that make them special, like emotions, dignity, or individuality. It often involves degrading or belittling people and can happen in many situations, like in war, discrimination, or mistreatment.
Usage Instructions: - Use "dehumanization" when discussing situations where people are treated poorly or stripped of their humanity. It often relates to social issues, history, or psychological concepts.
Example Sentence: - "During the war, dehumanization made it easier for soldiers to harm others because they saw their enemies as less than human."
Advanced Usage: - In academic or psychological discussions, you might see phrases like "systematic dehumanization" which refers to organized and repeated actions that strip people of their humanity, often seen in regimes that commit human rights abuses.
Word Variants: - Dehumanize (verb): To make someone less human or to treat them as if they have no human qualities. - Example: "The propaganda aimed to dehumanize the opposing group." - Dehumanized (adjective): Describing someone or something that has been treated in a way that strips away human qualities. - Example: "The dehumanized prisoners were not given proper medical care."
Different Meaning:While "dehumanization" generally refers to treating people poorly, in a broader sense, it can also refer to situations where technology or systems make people feel less important or valued. For example, some argue that technology can lead to dehumanization in relationships when people interact more with screens than with each other.
Synonyms: - Degradation - Objectification - Devaluation - Disrespect
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - "To lose one's humanity": This phrase can be used to describe a situation where a person stops acting with kindness or empathy, often due to difficult circumstances. - Example: "After years of war, many soldiers felt they had lost their humanity."