Dehumanization is the psychological and social process through which individuals or groups are perceived as lacking human qualities or essential attributes that define humanity. This process can lead to treating those individuals or groups as if they are less than human, often justifying maltreatment, discrimination, or violence against them. Dehumanization can occur in various contexts, including war, genocide, racism, and other forms of social or political conflict.
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Denial or reduction of qualities or standing ordinarily accorded to persons, such as agency, emotional depth or equal moral consideration. Dehumanization is related to prejudice and discrimination but is not established by every measure of social distance.