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

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 Non-recognition of work and issues can demoralize a remote team. — Alexey Semeney, Forbes, 15 July 2022 Authorities and human rights advocates say these cases are part of a larger pattern of Russian abductions and disappearances, a military tactic meant to terrorize communities and demoralize civilian resistance. — Paulina Villegas And Reis Thebault, Anchorage Daily News, 20 June 2022 Authorities and human rights advocates say these cases are part of a larger pattern of Russian abductions and disappearances, a military tactic meant to terrorize communities and demoralize civilian resistance. — Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 19 June 2022 In a move that will demoralize personal trainers across the country, GrubHub and Amazon are getting into business together. — Q.ai - Powering A Personal Wealth Movement, Forbes, 7 July 2022 These restrictions increase the workload on doctors and can demoralize nurses and physician assistants. — Sally Pipes, Forbes, 20 June 2022 Jordan Poole has also woken up, dropping 17 points off the bench, including some back-breaking baskets that really helped demoralize Boston. — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2022 There is the programmatic violence meted out by Russian bombs and missiles against civilians as well as military targets, meant to demoralize as much as defeat. — New York Times, 17 Apr. 2022 Don't mislead and try to demoralize our people and our troops with such crazy messages like yesterday. — Amy Kellogg, Fox News, 1 Apr. 2022 See More

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.