### Definition
To **humiliate** means to cause someone to feel a painful loss of pride, dignity, or self-respect. It involves making a person feel small, ashamed, or embarrassed, often in front of others.
### Synonyms
- Debase
- Abase
- Degrade
- Shame
### Example
> The teacher avoided humiliating the student in front of the class, choosing instead to correct the mistake privately.
### Usage Notes
The word is most commonly used when describing emotional or social experiences where one party undermines another’s confidence or self-worth. It often implies an intent to injure pride or dignity through words or actions.
### Word Origin
Derived from the Latin *humiliare*, meaning “to make humble,” which comes from *humilis* “low, humble.”
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**Author’s Summary:** The term *humiliate* denotes causing someone deep embarrassment or loss of dignity, reflecting emotional or social degradation often linked to the idea of making another feel small.
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Dictionary.com — 2025-11-30