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
But the experience proved demoralizing for The Talk cohost, who disclosed that using the app sent her into depression.
—Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 24 June 2024
The timing of Hogan’s decision could not have been more demoralizing for a city struggling to come out of the smoke of the April uprising.
—Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2024
The illness was ironic and particularly demoralizing for him given that prior to becoming sick Cliett had given up driving by choice and had discovered a new world of sorts through walking.
—Scott Talley, Detroit Free Press, 27 Apr. 2024
Parents are desperate for accurate information, no matter how demoralizing.
—Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for demoralize 
Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 24 June 2024
The timing of Hogan’s decision could not have been more demoralizing for a city struggling to come out of the smoke of the April uprising.
—Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2024
The illness was ironic and particularly demoralizing for him given that prior to becoming sick Cliett had given up driving by choice and had discovered a new world of sorts through walking.
—Scott Talley, Detroit Free Press, 27 Apr. 2024
Parents are desperate for accurate information, no matter how demoralizing.
—Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for demoralize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demoralize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near demoralize
Cite this Entry
“Demoralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demoralize. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.
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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