demoralize Hear it!

demoralize Definition

☆ de·mor·al·ize (dē môr′ə līz′, di-)

transitive verb demoralized -·ized′, demoralizing -·iz′·ing

  1. Now Rare to corrupt the morals of; deprave
  2. to lower the morale of; weaken the spirit, courage, discipline, or staying power of
  3. to throw into confusion

Etymology: coined (1793) by Noah Webster < de- + moral + -ize

Related Forms:

demoralize Synonyms

demoralize

v.

dispirit, daunt, unnerve, destroy the morale of; see discourage 1, frighten 1, weaken 2.

demoralize Usage Examples

Object

  • enemy: In this case, the castle's defenders decide to demoralize the enemy by tossing one of the remaining sacks over the wall.
  • troop: Remember 10-year-old kids being sent to fight in an effort to demoralize the Iraqi troops?