辱める

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 辱める is read as はずかしめる and is a transitive verb meaning to humiliate someone or dishonor their dignity or reputation.
• Basic usage: Insulting a person’s dignity appears in 人格を辱める, while humiliating a prisoner appears in 捕虜を辱める.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Damage to honor and dignity
  • It is stronger than merely causing offense and suggests making someone feel shame or damaging their honor.
• Difference from 侮辱する
  • The meanings are close, but this word especially emphasizes causing humiliation or dishonoring the person.