Abjection refers to a state of being that is marked by extreme humiliation, degradation, and disgrace. It is a condition that is often associated with feelings of disgust, revulsion, and horror. The concept of abjection has been used in various fields of study, including psychoanalysis, literature, and cultural studies. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of abjection.
Definitions
Abjection can be defined as a state of being that is characterized by extreme degradation, humiliation, or disgrace. It is a condition that is often associated with feelings of disgust, revulsion, and horror. According to Julia Kristeva, a French philosopher, abjection refers to the state of being cast out from the symbolic order, which is the realm of language and culture.
Origin
The word abjection comes from the Latin word abjectus, which means “thrown away” or “cast down.” The term was first used in the 16th century to refer to a state of being that is marked by extreme humiliation or degradation. In the 20th century, the concept of abjection was developed by Julia Kristeva, who used it to describe the experience of being cast out from the symbolic order.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, abjection refers to a state of being that is marked by extreme humiliation, degradation, or despair. The Oxford English Dictionary defines abjection as a state of being that is characterized by extreme contempt, revulsion, or disgust. The Cambridge Dictionary defines abjection as a state of being that is marked by extreme poverty, degradation, or humiliation.
Associations
Abjection is often associated with feelings of disgust, revulsion, and horror. It is also associated with the experience of being cast out from the symbolic order, which is the realm of language and culture. Abjection is often used to describe the experience of being excluded from society, or the experience of being marginalized or oppressed.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of abjection include degradation, humiliation, disgrace, shame, and ignominy.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of abjection include respect, honor, dignity, and pride.
The same root words
The same root words as abjection include abject, which means extremely bad, unpleasant, or degrading, and reject, which means to refuse to accept or consider.
Example Sentences
- The abjection of poverty is a reality for many people around the world.
- The abjection of the refugees was heartbreaking to witness.
- She felt a sense of abjection when she realized she had failed the exam.
- The abjection of the prisoners was a violation of their human rights.
- The abjection of the homeless is a social problem that needs to be addressed.