demoralize

views updated Jun 11 2018

de·mor·al·ize / diˈmôrəˌlīz/ • v. [tr.] 1. [usu. as adj.] (demoralized) cause (someone) to lose confidence or hope; dispirit: the army was demoralized and scattered.2. archaic corrupt the morals of (someone).DERIVATIVES: de·mor·al·i·za·tion / -ˌmôrələˈzāshən/ n.de·mor·al·iz·ing adj.de·mor·al·iz·ing·ly adv.

demoralize

views updated May 23 2018

demoralize corrupt the morals of XVIII; lower the morale of XIX. — F. démoraliser; see DE- 7, MORAL, -IZE.