verbal humiliation

B2General

(common)Using words to belittle or degrade someone, causing emotional pain.

Example

• She experienced verbal humiliation when he mocked her in front of everyone.

C1Intimate Relationships

(emotional abuse)Using language to control and demean a partner, often as a form of emotional abuse.

Example

• In their relationship, verbal humiliation was used to manipulate and exert control.

C2Sexuality, BDSM

(erotic)Using words to degrade someone as part of consensual erotic play.