demoralize

especially British, de·mor·al·ise

[dih-mawr-uh-lahyz, -mor-]

verb (used with object)

demoralized, demoralizing 

1. to deprive (a person or persons) of spirit, courage, discipline, etc.; destroy the morale of.

   The continuous barrage demoralized the infantry.

2. to throw (a person) into disorder or confusion; bewilder.

   We were so demoralized by that one wrong turn that we were lost for hours.

3. to corrupt or undermine the morals of.

demoralize

/ dɪˈmɒrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to undermine the morale of; dishearten

   he was demoralized by his defeat

2. to debase morally; corrupt

3. to throw into confusion

Other Word Forms

• demoralization noun
• demoralizer noun
• demoralizingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of demoralize¹

From the French word démoraliser, dating back to 1785–95. See de-, moral, -ize

Example Sentences

In Israel, Hollywood’s actions have demoralized and bewildered writers, filmmakers and producers, many of whom oppose Netanyahu’s government.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“Even if these things stop tomorrow, you’ve got a pretty demoralized physician and scientific workforce. What this administration has done has given being a scientist an unsavory element — it’s no longer a noble profession.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For now, though, in the face of a crisis that continues to escalate, and absent the rhetorical firepower they are craving, many Washingtonians are feeling frustrated — and demoralized.

Read more on Salon

On a team without set bullpen roles, Henriquez wants to be a closer, using his blazing fastball not just to demoralize hitters but to shut down games as well.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“It was sad and demoralizing to watch the Sierra Club under Ben’s leadership,” Mark said in an interview.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dampen 
• daunt 
• debilitate 
• deject 
• disconcert 
• discourage 
• dishearten 
• disorganize 
• dispirit 
• disturb 
• embarrass 
• sap 
• undermine 
• unsettle 
• upset 
• weaken