dehumanize
UK[ˌdiːˈhjuːmənaɪz]US[ˌdiːˈhjuːmənaɪz]
v
to treat someone as though they are not a human being, or to make them lose their human qualities.
v
to remove human characteristics or attributes from something.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
human
ize
de
remove
human
human being
ize
make or cause to become
Etymology
the word dehumanize is a modern english formation, constructed from classical elements. the prefix "de-" derives from latin, carrying a strong sense of removal or reversal. it is attached to the root "human," which originates from latin humanus, itself related to homo (man). the suffix "-ize," of greek origin via latin, is a productive verb-forming element meaning "to render or make." therefore, the literal morphemic construction means "to make not human" or "to remove human qualities." this term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting philosophical and social concerns about the treatment of individuals, particularly in contexts of war, slavery, or industrial mechanization, where people could be stripped of their inherent dignity and individuality. the logic of the word perfectly captures the process it describes: using a prefix of negation on the core concept of humanity.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + human (human being) + ize (make or cause to become)
de: a latin prefix meaning "down from, off, away, completely," used here to indicate removal or reversal.
human: from latin humanus, meaning "of or belonging to man." it functions as the core noun/adjective root.
ize: a verb-forming suffix from greek -izein via latin -izare, meaning "to make, to become, to cause to be."
Examples
prolonged conflict can dehumanize the enemy in the eyes of soldiers.
the factory's monotonous work was criticized for its potential to dehumanize the workers.
propaganda is often used to dehumanize a target group, making them seem less worthy of compassion.