demoralize

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

verb (used with object)

, de·mor·al·ized, de·mor·al·iz·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• deˌmoraliˈzation, noun
• deˈmoralˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• de·moral·i·zation noun
• de·moral·izer noun
• de·moral·izing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of demoralize¹

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

Example Sentences

"If you're constantly guessing which boss will turn up -- the good cop or the bad cop -- then you wind up emotionally exhausted, demoralized, and unable to work to your full potential," Dr. Xu explains.

From Science Daily

"It's very demoralizing going to the GP every single day," she said.

From BBC

I snuck out demoralized at 11 p.m. and woke to find the worst had happened.

From Salon

Both sent top aides to inform the demoralized audience that the candidate would not speak.

From Los Angeles Times

But he has never spoken in such pointed terms about demoralizing federal workers to the point that they don’t want to do their jobs.

From Salon

Related Words

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