demoralize
To cause someone to lose confidence or hope
Examples
In a meeting
“The third round of layoffs really demoralized the remaining staff.”
Over coffee
“Don't let one bad audition demoralize you completely.”
Why this word
discourage
Demoralize destroys confidence and spirit comprehensively; discourage is milder prevention of enthusiasm
dishearten
Dishearten causes sadness or loss of hope; demoralize specifically crushes morale and fighting spirit
sadden
Sadden creates emotional sorrow; demoralize undermines willpower, confidence, and collective spirit
Usage tip
Use when describing events or actions that drain morale or motivation. Particularly relevant in discussions of team culture and leadership impact.
Etymology
French 'démoraliser' from 'de-' (reversal) + 'moral'
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Related words
apprehensive
Anxious or worried about something that may happen in the future
evoke
To bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind
resent
To feel bitterness or indignation toward something or someone
placate
To make someone less angry or hostile through appeasement
endear
To cause to be loved or liked
patronize
To treat someone in a condescending manner as if they were inferior