dehumanization

This term carries a heavy, negative emotional weight and is typically used in academic, sociological, or human rights contexts. It describes a psychological process where the "other" is viewed as less than human, which serves as a prerequisite for systemic violence, genocide, or extreme exploitation. It is distinct from simple cruelty, as it implies a systematic stripping away of dignity and identity.

In industrial or corporate contexts, the word describes the feeling of becoming a "cog in a machine." Here, the focus is on the loss of individuality and agency due to rigid bureaucracy or repetitive labor, rather than an intentional effort to justify hatred.