dishearten

verb

dis·​heart·​en (ˌ)dis-ˈhär-tᵊn How to pronounce dishearten (audio)
disheartened; disheartening; disheartens

transitive verb

: to cause to lose hope, enthusiasm, or courage : to cause to lose spirit or morale
were disheartened by the news
dishearteningly
(ˌ)dis-ˈhärt-niŋ-lē How to pronounce dishearten (audio)
-ˈhär-tᵊn-iŋ-
adverb
disheartenment noun

Examples of dishearten in a Sentence

The conflict between their families disheartened them. we were disheartened by the news that our grandmother was seriously ill
Recent Examples on the Web After the townhalls, Rubinstein, the synagogue member, posted on social media that she was disheartened and worried about the safety of her grandchildren. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024 What’s particularly disheartening, Saylor said, is that 2022 was the first year in CAIR’s history when there was a drop in complaints, with 23% fewer than in 2021. Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 2 Apr. 2024 Advocates have urged for greater support for children and teens who feel disheartened by Nex Benedict's death, anti-transgender rhetoric, and escalating violence against the community. USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024 And in the early '70s, he was disheartened by the group’s demise. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 4 Feb. 2024 Some disheartening side effects of ketosis booster includes: ● Alteration of blood composition These various side effects may show up early enough or at some point in time. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2024 While the news might sadden fashion aficionados who have closely tracked Piccioli’s trajectory, his legion of celebrity admirers will be just as disheartened. Vogue, 22 Mar. 2024 Another exit before the Sweet 16 might be disheartening. Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2024 That should be the Pogba the public should remember, not the disheartening coda of the last few years. Emmet Gates, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dishearten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dishearten was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near dishearten

Cite this Entry

“Dishearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dishearten. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

dishearten

verb
dis·​heart·​en (ˈ)dis-ˈhärt-ᵊn How to pronounce dishearten (audio)
: to deprive of courage and hope : discourage
disheartening
-ˈhärt-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
adjective
dishearteningly adverb
disheartenment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dishearten

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