Demoralize
/dɪˈmɒr.ə.laɪz/noun
To weaken the spirit, confidence, or morale of a person or group.
Did you know?Demoralize entered English through French as a word for destroying moral discipline, and its roots trace back to Latin moralis, the same root behind morality, manners, and moral law.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
moralis
“relating to character, conduct, or customs”
Late Latin
Latin
demoralisare
“to deprive of moral discipline”
Old French
French
demoraliser
“to corrupt or weaken morals”
Late 18th Century
English
demoralize
“to corrupt morally or undermine discipline”
Modern English
English
demoralize
“to discourage, dishearten, or sap confidence”