Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Humiliation has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
state of disgrace or loss of self-respect
"The public criticism left him in a deep sense of humiliation, stripping away his confidence and dignity."
strong feelings of embarrassment
"The public mistake caused deep humiliation, leaving her unable to speak for hours."
an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or self-respect
"he had to undergo one humiliation after another"
depriving one of self-esteem
"The public reprimand caused a deep sense of humiliation, leaving him unable to look anyone in the eye."
The act of humiliating or humbling someone; abasement of pride; mortification.
"The public apology was a profound humiliation that left him unable to face his friends."
In plain English: Humiliation is the feeling of being deeply embarrassed and ashamed because you have been made to look foolish or weak in front of others.
"The public apology caused deep humiliation for the famous actor."
Usage: Humiliation refers to the painful loss of self-esteem caused by being made to feel ashamed in front of others, often distinguishing it from simple embarrassment which is less severe. It typically describes a deliberate action taken against an individual rather than an accidental slip-up that might cause temporary discomfort.
The word entered English via the Old French term humiliation, which was borrowed from a Late Latin root meaning "a making low." It originally described the act of reducing someone's status or dignity, leading directly to its modern sense of shame and disgrace.