dishearten

[ dis-hahr-tn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to depress the hope, courage, or spirits of; discourage.

   Synonyms: dismay, dispirit, deject, daunt

dishearten

/ dɪsˈhɑːtən /

verb

1. tr to weaken or destroy the hope, courage, enthusiasm, etc, of

Derived Forms

• disˈheartenment, noun
• disˈhearteningly, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·heart·en·er noun
• dis·heart·en·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dishearten¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; dis- ¹ + hearten

Example Sentences

Some poll workers said they felt vulnerable in their roles, or were disheartened by baseless claims that they felt undermined the election process they witnessed firsthand.

From Washington Post

The pandemic began taking a toll and I was already disheartened, knowing that things wouldn’t be the same for a very long time.

From Time

Other people might have been disheartened by such unrelenting proximity to pain, but the knowledge that things could be worse filled Diaz, a relentless optimist, with a profound sense of calm.

From ProPublica

Though I got disheartened by the strict mindset of being a restaurateur, I feel like I can do anything now.

From Washington Blade

If you have missed that slot, then no need to be disheartened as, by the end of this article, you will earn the best ways to get there.

From Search Engine Watch

He said nothing, not wishing perhaps to dishearten his companion.

From Project Gutenberg

While they dishearten the irresolute, they stimulate the brave.

From Project Gutenberg

Fortune may be kind or be unkind, it shall neither dishearten me nor uplift me.

From Project Gutenberg

It is an immense problem, often enough to dishearten good men and women.

From Project Gutenberg

No, no, there is nothing encouraging about it; and as for disheartening, nothing ought to dishearten a seaman.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• daunt
• deject
• demoralize
• deter
• discourage
• dismay
• dispirit
• humble
• humiliate