dishearten

verb

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

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
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.
Fans were disappointed, but not disheartened. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026 Spoelstra was most disheartened by the defense. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2026 If that is what our cops are hearing and no one steps up to say otherwise, that can be disheartening. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026 Still, hearing that it was recommended was disheartening for Laird. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dishearten

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dishearten was in 1590

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Cite this Entry

“Dishearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dishearten. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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

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