Langimage
English

demoralize

|de-mor-al-ize|

C1

🇺🇸

/dɪˈmɔːrəˌlaɪz/

🇬🇧

/dɪˈmɒrəˌlaɪz/

loss of morale

Etymology
Etymology Information

'demoralize' originates from French, specifically the word 'démoraliser,' where 'dé-' meant 'away' and 'moraliser' meant 'to moralize.'

Historical Evolution

'démoraliser' transformed into the English word 'demoralize' during the 18th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to corrupt morals,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to dishearten or discourage.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to cause someone to lose confidence or hope; to dishearten.

The constant criticism began to demoralize the team.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41