dispirit

verb

dis·​pir·​it (ˌ)di-ˈspir-ət How to pronounce dispirit (audio)
-ˈspi-rət
dispirited; dispiriting; dispirits
Synonyms of dispiritnext

transitive verb

: to deprive of morale or enthusiasm
dispirited adjective
dispiritedly adverb
dispiritedness noun

Examples of dispirit in a Sentence

dispirited by the overwhelming amount of information needed to write the report
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tess, meanwhile, suggests a more vulnerable reality behind that brittle exterior—a faith that talent and perseverance can pay off, a desire for agency amid dispiriting circumstances. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 After a long international flight, the lines at passport control and immigration can be dispiriting. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 And, as the season wound to a dispiriting close, there was literal infighting in the dressing room between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 27 May 2026 That dispiriting news, coupled with consumer sentiment plunging to the lowest point ever recorded, should be enough to set off alarm bells and trigger talk of the economy flirting with recession. Greg Petro, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispirit

Word History

Etymology

dis- + spirit

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispirit was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispirit. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

dispirit

verb
dis·​pir·​it (ˈ)dis-ˈpir-ət How to pronounce dispirit (audio)
: to deprive of cheerful spirit : dishearten
dispiritedly adverb
dispiritedness noun

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