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 Words From

• dis·il·lu·sion·ment noun
• dis·il·lu·sive [dis-i-, loo, -siv], adjective
• un·dis·il·lu·sioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disillusion¹

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

Example Sentences

Put them all together and there is a disillusion and a widespread sense among farmers of not being listened to.

From BBC

By the early aughts an older, wiser Dolours is disillusioned with the meaninglessness of so much bloodshed and pondering what it means to have so many spent matches poking her from inside her pockets.

From Salon

And while it is true that young South Koreans are increasingly disillusioned with marriage in favor of childless or single lifestyles, these changes are not exclusive to women.

From Los Angeles Times

On one hand, he played to a red-meat base increasingly disillusioned with Republican leadership in the Obama era.

From Salon

She would go make a movie, wait a few months for a call to shoot the next one, grow disillusioned with her acting career and then, inevitably, get that next call.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disappoint
• embitter