demoralize
UK: dɪˈmɒrəlaɪz | US: dɪˈmɔːrəlaɪz
vt. to weaken the confidence or morale of someone
vt. to corrupt the moral principles of someone
The word "demoralize" combines the prefix "de-" (Latin origin, meaning "remove" or "reverse"), the root "moral" (from Latin "moralis," meaning "ethical" or "pertaining to character"), and the suffix "-ize" (Greek-derived, used to form verbs meaning "to make or cause"). Historically, it first appeared in English in the late 18th century, originally meaning "to corrupt morally." By the early 19th century, its meaning expanded to include undermining confidence or morale, reflecting a shift from ethical to psychological impact.
The team's repeated losses began to demoralize even the most optimistic players.
Harsh criticism can demoralize employees and reduce productivity.
The scandal demoralized the entire organization, leading to resignations.
Propaganda was used to demoralize enemy troops during the war.
She refused to let setbacks demoralize her and kept striving for success.