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dispirit

verb

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

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.
Thanksgiving can be delightful or draining, a festive feast or a dispiriting dirge. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025 The loss was particularly dispiriting given it came on the back of Sacramento’s first winning streak of the season with a victory Saturday in Denver — which ended an eight-game skid — and a win Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Nov. 2025 Philadelphia is coming off a dispiriting loss to the Cowboys that ratcheted up the pressure on the struggling offense. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 26 Nov. 2025 Mirthless Minnesota Vikings fans eager for a change at quarterback or playcaller may be further dispirited by head coach Kevin O'Connell's messaging. Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025 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 29 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on dispirit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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