Dehumanized

The term 'dehumanized' refers to the process or state in which individuals or groups are stripped of their human traits, dignity, or individuality, often rendering them as mere objects or numbers in the eyes of others. This concept is frequently observed in contexts of oppression, war, and systematic discrimination, where empathy and compassion are absent.

Dehumanized meaning with examples

• The documentary highlighted how the inmates in the overcrowded prison were dehumanized by the harsh conditions, leading to a culture of violence and despair that permeated their daily lives.
• In his research, the psychologist found that children who witnessed bullying often felt dehumanized themselves, leading to long-term emotional and psychological scars that affected their social interactions.
• The marketing campaign that replaced individuals with generic symbols in advertisements served to further dehumanize the very customers they aimed to attract, transforming potential relationships into mere transactions.
• During war, soldiers may be dehumanized by their superiors to facilitate combat, as seeing the enemy merely as targets can diminish moral objections to violence and boost willingness to kill.
• The author used the dehumanized portrayal of factory workers in her novel to critique modern industrial practices, shedding light on how profit motives can overshadow the well-being of individuals.