dehumanizing
UK[ˌdiːˈhjuːmənaɪzɪŋ]US[ˌdiːˈhjuːmənaɪzɪŋ]
adj
treating people as if they are not human, or depriving them of human qualities, often making them seem like objects or animals.
verb (present participle)
the act of causing someone to lose human qualities or attributes.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
human
izing
de
remove
human
human being
izing
making/process
Etymology
the word "dehumanizing" is built from three distinct morphemes. the latin prefix "de-" sets a directional meaning of removal or reversal. it attaches to the core latin root "human," which pertains to humankind and its distinctive qualities. finally, the suffix "-izing," derived from greek and latin verb-forming elements, transforms the construction into a present participle, indicating an ongoing process. thus, the literal morphemic logic—"the process of removing what is human"—evolved into the modern abstract sense of stripping people of their dignity, individuality, or compassion, often to justify poor treatment.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + human (human being) + izing (making/process)
de: from latin, a prefix meaning "down from, off, away, completely," often indicating reversal or removal.
human: from latin humanus, relating to a human being or humankind.
izing: from greek -izein via latin -izare and old french -iser, a verb-forming suffix meaning "to make, to become, to practice."
Examples
the prisoners were subjected to dehumanizing conditions.
propaganda is often used as a tool for dehumanizing the enemy.
repetitive, mind-numbing work can have a dehumanizing effect.