dishearten

verb

dis·​heart·​en (ˌ)dis-ˈhär-tᵊn How to pronounce dishearten (audio)
disheartened; disheartening; disheartens

transitive verb

: to cause to lose hope, enthusiasm, or courage : to cause to lose spirit or morale
were disheartened by the news
dishearteningly
(ˌ)dis-ˈhärt-niŋ-lē How to pronounce dishearten (audio)
-ˈhär-tᵊn-iŋ-
adverb
disheartenment noun

Examples of dishearten in a Sentence

The conflict between their families disheartened them. we were disheartened by the news that our grandmother was seriously ill
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.
Somehow, the Nats’ season has been both disheartening and predictable. Levi Weaver, New York Times, 17 June 2025 Not receiving what was anticipated is disheartening. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 Politicians in the Golden State vigorously promoted disinformation about Biden to mislead the public and placate a Democratic base that was becoming increasingly disheartened. Matt Klink, Oc Register, 28 May 2025 So far, that mission has left the doctor disheartened. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dishearten

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dishearten was in 1590

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Cite this Entry

“Dishearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dishearten. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dishearten

verb
dis·​heart·​en (ˈ)dis-ˈhärt-ᵊn How to pronounce dishearten (audio)
: to deprive of courage and hope : discourage
disheartening
-ˈhärt-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
adjective
dishearteningly adverb
disheartenment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dishearten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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