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

“He profits from fringe medical ideas. By nominating RFK Jr & Mehmet Oz, Trump is giving his middle finger to science. Having worked for 40 years in public health, it’s utterly disheartening.”

From Los Angeles Times

Jordan Pynes, president of TSA, called the tenant uprising “very disheartening” in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

The results were disheartening at best, and at worst, frightening.

From Salon

“The idea that somebody would have their ballot rejected when they’re voting for the first time is also very disheartening. We want people to have a positive first-time voting experience.”

From Los Angeles Times

She said it was "completely disheartening" that "every other day there is a report of a young woman who has lost her life through violence".

From BBC

Related Words

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