disillusion

[dis-i-loo-zhuhn]

verb (used with object)

1. to free from or deprive of illusion, belief, idealism, etc.; disenchant.

   Synonyms: disappoint, undeceive, disenthrall, disabuse

noun

1. a freeing or a being freed from illusion or conviction; disenchantment.

disillusion

/ ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒən /

verb

1. (tr) to destroy the ideals, illusions, or false ideas of

noun

1. the act of disillusioning or the state of being disillusioned

Other Word Forms

• disillusionment noun
• disillusive adjective
• undisillusioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disillusion¹

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

Example Sentences

With security experts questioning the efficacy of megaprisons and other hardline measures on crime, voters might soon grow disillusioned with the lack of real progress, he said.

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But he was disillusioned — by the raids, L.A.’s homelessness crisis, high healthcare costs.

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Growing up in Miami, Barcelo felt disillusioned while pursuing a dance career in Los Angeles.

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These enlightenment heroes, manifesting in our present day as populists, compel Gen Z to become disillusioned with the establishment and support radical ideas on both sides of the aisle.

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But notes of disillusion sound throughout this ostensible success story.

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Related Words

• disappoint 
• embitter