Demoralize

/dɪˈmɔːrəlaɪz/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To weaken or destroy the morale or confidence of someone.

The team's early losses began to demoralize the players, leading to a lack of motivation.

To discourage or dishearten a person or group.

Constant criticism can demoralize employees and diminish their productivity.

To cause a person or group to lose enthusiasm or hope.

The failure of the project seemed to demoralize the entire staff.

To render ineffective or unsuccessful by undermining confidence.

The negative comments from the audience served to demoralize the performers.

From de- + moralize, potentially influenced by demoralisation.

demoralized troops

Soldiers who have lost hope or confidence in their mission.

demoralizing defeat

A defeat that severely affects the morale of a team or individual.

to demoralize someone

To intentionally or unintentionally harm someone's confidence.

morale

The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group.

demoralization

The process of causing a loss of confidence or hope.

To bum someone out.

That news totally bummed me out; I feel demoralized.

To kill the vibe.

Don't demoralize the party with your negativity.