demoralize
verb
de·mor·al·ize
di-ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlīz 
ˌdē-,
-ˈmär-
demoralized; demoralizing; demoralizes
1
: to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true or morally right : to corrupt the morals of
2
a
: to weaken the morale of : discourage, dispirit
were demoralized by the loss
b
: to upset or destroy the normal functioning of
foreclosures were further demoralizing an already desperate real-estate market—
F. D. Roosevelt
F. D. Roosevelt
c
: to throw into disorder
Examples of demoralize in a Sentence
the mere sight of the forbidding cliffs demoralized the climbers
we refused to be demoralized by our humiliating defeat and vowed to come roaring back the following week
Recent Examples on the Web
The policy blitz is intended to demoralize and disorient ordinary Americans and force them into resignation—either literal or figurative—to the far right's designs for American government and democracy.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
For now, Donald Trump’s comeback victory in 2024 is especially demoralizing to Democrats in ways that previous defeats (1988, 2004, 2016) were not.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025
If history is any guide, the Russians’ crimes will fail to demoralize the Ukrainians.
—David Axe, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Cassel’s switch is deeply demoralizing for House Democrats, who now number 33 in the 120-member House, including a second defection by Rep. Susan Valdés of Tampa.
—Steve Bousquet, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025
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Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
For now, Donald Trump’s comeback victory in 2024 is especially demoralizing to Democrats in ways that previous defeats (1988, 2004, 2016) were not.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025
If history is any guide, the Russians’ crimes will fail to demoralize the Ukrainians.
—David Axe, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Cassel’s switch is deeply demoralizing for House Democrats, who now number 33 in the 120-member House, including a second defection by Rep. Susan Valdés of Tampa.
—Steve Bousquet, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for demoralize
Dictionary Entries Near demoralize
Cite this Entry
“Demoralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demoralize. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
demoralize
verb
de·mor·al·ize
di-ˈmȯr-ə-ˌlīz
-ˈmär-
1
: to make bad or evil
2
: to weaken in spirit or discipline
fear demoralized the army
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