dishearten

verb

dis·​heart·​en (ˌ)dis-ˈhär-tᵊn 

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 

-ˈhär-tᵊn-iŋ-

adverb

disheartenment

(ˌ)dis-ˈhär-tᵊn-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• chill
• daunt
• demoralize
• discourage
• dismay
• dispirit
• frustrate
• unman
• unnerve

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

For Mason and Brandenberg, the certification process could be isolating and disheartening, a trial by fire that would, in time, only strengthen their resolve. —Patrice Peck, Essence, 21 Oct. 2024

Murphy shapes his horrible narrative through vile and appalling character portrayals of Lyle and of me and disheartening slander. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 20 Oct. 2024

That’s especially true after last week’s disheartening home loss to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. —Vincent Frank, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

This can be disheartening, especially when funding for alternative meat companies used to be more attainable. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dishearten

verb

dis·​heart·​en (ˈ)dis-ˈhärt-ᵊn 

: to deprive of courage and hope : discourage

disheartening

-ˈhärt-niŋ

-ᵊn-iŋ

adjective

dishearteningly

-lē 

adverb

disheartenment

-ˈhärt-ᵊn-mənt 

noun