demoralize

verb

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de·mor·al·ize | \ di-ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlīz

, ˌdē-, -ˈmär- \

demoralized; demoralizing; demoralizes

Definition of demoralize

transitive verb

1 : to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true or morally right : to corrupt the morals of

2a : to weaken the morale of : discourage, dispirit were demoralized by the loss

b : to upset or destroy the normal functioning of foreclosures were further demoralizing an already desperate real-estate market— F. D. Roosevelt

c : to throw into disorder

Other Words from demoralize Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about demoralize

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Other Words from demoralize

demoralization \ di-ˌmȯr-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən

, ˌdē- , -ˌmär- \ noun

demoralizer \ di-ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlī-zər

, ˌdē- , -ˈmär- \ noun

demoralizingly \ di-ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlī-ziŋ-lē

, ˌdē- , -ˈmär- \ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for demoralize

Synonyms

Antonyms

nerve

Examples of demoralize in a Sentence

the mere sight of the forbidding cliffs demoralized the climbers we refused to be demoralized by our humiliating defeat and vowed to come roaring back the following week

Recent Examples on the Web The London Blitz was designed to overwhelm the British and demoralize them into submission. — Colin Dickey, The New Republic, 4 June 2021 Another way companies unintentionally demoralize overseas employees is by offering them inferior benefits to those in headquarters. — Aliza Knox, Forbes, 1 June 2021 There’s so many things in the system that are set up to demoralize and dehumanize the residents. — Valeria Ricciulli, Curbed, 22 Apr. 2021 After all, Russian bounties on US soldiers aimed to demoralize Americans into leaving. — Frida Ghitis, CNN, 15 Apr. 2021 This typically ends in back-breaking big plays that demoralize a defense and let the Crimson Tide comfortably cruise to victory. — Erick Smith, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2021 And the Huskies did it in vintage UConn style, behind an early run to demoralize the opponent and put the game out of reach. — Alexa Philippou, courant.com, 8 Mar. 2021 Buledi, the provincial minister, condemned the attack saying the insurgents were trying to demoralize security forces operating against them. — Abdul Sattar, Star Tribune, 7 Mar. 2021 And Reggie's got an idea of how to handle this latest ruffle in their plans to completely demoralize Riverdale. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 25 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'demoralize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.