dispirit

[ dih-spir-it ]

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive of spirit, hope, enthusiasm, etc.; depress; discourage; dishearten.

dispirit

/ dɪˈspɪrɪt /

verb

1. tr to lower the spirit or enthusiasm of; make downhearted or depressed; discourage

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispirit¹

First recorded in 1635–45; di- ² + spirit

Example Sentences

Even by the mid-1980s, activists and historians, dispirited by a lack of parliamentary political victories, had begun to compare West Germany’s liberation movement unfavorably with that in the United States.

From Washington Post

He cannot hope to defeat Tesse, but he may wear out and dispirit his men by constant attacks.

From Project Gutenberg

William, like a wise general as he was, took care that the news of his accident should not dispirit his men.

From Project Gutenberg

Like most energetic women, a first failure did not daunt or dispirit her, it only roused her energies the more vigorously.

From Project Gutenberg

Fitzosborne urged the duke not to allow such events to depress or dispirit him.

From Project Gutenberg

Everything to dispirit; but my invalids are really on the mend.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deject
• demoralize
• discourage
• dishearten
• sadden