depersonalize
UK[diːˈpɜːsənəlaɪz]US[diːˈpɜːrsənəlaɪz]
v
to make something less personal or individual, so that it seems to lack human qualities or feelings.
v
(in psychology) to cause someone to feel detached from their own thoughts, feelings, or identity.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
person
ize
de
remove
person
human individual
ize
make into
Etymology
the word depersonalize is a modern english formation, constructed from classical elements. the prefix "de-," from latin, introduces a sense of removal or reversal. it is attached to the root "person," derived from latin persona, which originally referred to a theatrical mask and later to an individual's social role or character. the suffix "-ize," of greek origin, converts the noun into a verb meaning "to make into" or "to treat as." thus, the literal construction "to remove the qualities of a person" logically evolved into the modern psychological and general meanings of stripping away individuality or causing a sense of detachment from one's self.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + person (human individual) + ize (make into)
- de: a prefix of latin origin meaning "down from, off, away, completely," used here to indicate removal or reversal.
- person: from latin persona meaning "mask, character, person," acting as the core noun root.
- ize: a verb-forming suffix of greek origin (via latin and french) meaning "to make, to become, to treat in a certain way."
Examples
the large corporation's policies tended to depersonalize the service, making customers feel like numbers.
severe anxiety can sometimes depersonalize an individual, making the world seem unreal.
the architect worried that using identical, prefabricated units would depersonalize the entire housing development.