To tread on or trample (literally); figuratively, to trample on someone's rights, dignity, or efforts.
占領軍が町の旗を踏みにじった。
The occupying forces trampled the town's flag.
彼らの努力を軽々しく踏みにじるような発言は許されない。
Remarks that casually trample on their efforts are unacceptable.
人間の尊厳を踏みにじる行為は法律で罰せられることがある。
Acts that trample on human dignity can sometimes be punishable by law.