disillusionment
UK: ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒənmənt | US: ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒənmənt
n. the state of being freed from or losing false beliefs or ideals
n. a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed
The word "disillusionment" traces back to the prefix "dis-" (meaning "undo" or "reverse"), combined with "illusion" (from Latin illusio, meaning "deception" or "false belief"), and the suffix "-ment" (indicating a state or result). The term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting the process of stripping away idealized perceptions to reveal reality. The morphemes logically progress from negation ("dis-") to the core concept ("illusion") and finally to the abstract result ("-ment").
His disillusionment with politics grew after years of unfulfilled promises.
The novel explores the protagonist's gradual disillusionment with societal norms.
She faced deep disillusionment when her dream job turned out to be tedious.
The movement arose from widespread disillusionment with the government.
Traveling abroad cured him of his youthful disillusionment about foreign cultures.