OpenSynonym

abasement

/əˈbeɪsmənt/

NOUN

1. Humiliation and loss of dignity

The act of lowering someone's dignity, self-respect, or sense of worth, or the resulting state of being humiliated, degraded, or made to feel inferior.

1.1. Personal dignity and self-respect

Refers to the experience of being humiliated, degraded, or forced into a position that undermines one's personal dignity and self-respect.

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Examples

  • The public apology was a moment of abasement for the politician.
  • He endured the abasement of being publicly criticized without losing his composure.
  • She refused to accept treatment that would subject her to further abasement.

Related Words

1.2. Public disgrace and dishonor

Describes a state of disgrace or loss of respect resulting from public humiliation, misconduct, defeat, or actions that damage someone's reputation.

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Examples

  • The official experienced public abasement after the corruption scandal was exposed.
  • The defeat brought abasement to a leader who had once commanded widespread respect.
  • His repeated misconduct led to professional abasement and the loss of public confidence.

Related Words

NOUN

2. Reduction in rank, status, or position

The act or process of lowering someone's rank, status, authority, or position, or the resulting condition of being placed in an inferior position.

2.1. Professional rank and organizational status

Refers to the lowering of someone's professional standing, authority, or position within an organization, particularly when accompanied by humiliation or loss of respect.

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Examples

  • The manager regarded his sudden demotion as an abasement of his professional standing.
  • The employee experienced abasement when he was stripped of his responsibilities in front of his colleagues.
  • The restructuring resulted in the abasement of several senior officials to lower positions.

Related Words

  • hierarchy
  • authority
  • seniority
  • employment
  • professional standing
  • subordination

2.2. Social standing and power

Refers to a decline in social position, influence, prestige, or perceived importance, particularly when someone is forced to submit to a more powerful person or group.

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Examples

  • The former ruler's abasement became a symbol of his declining political influence.
  • The treaty was perceived as an abasement of the nation's sovereignty.
  • He considered the demand for unconditional obedience an abasement of his social standing.

Related Words