entry
demoralize
/dɪˈmɔrəˌlaɪz/To undermine confidence, courage, or moral strength
From Latin, through French de- (Down) + French morale (Morality or good conduct).
Word Ancestry
In 1793, amid the upheaval of the French Revolution, French speakers coined démoraliser: literally, to remove someone’s moral strength. At first the word meant corrupting someone’s conduct; by 1842, it had taken on the more familiar sense of sapping courage, especially among soldiers. The morale in the word once meant morality or good conduct, before French usage also made it mean a group’s spirits and confidence. So when a team is demoralized, the word carries a small historical twist: its “morals” have not necessarily worsened, but its fighting spirit has.
The Story
In 1793, amid the upheaval of the French Revolution, French speakers coined démoraliser: literally, to remove someone’s moral strength. At first the word meant corrupting someone’s conduct; by 1842, it had taken on the more familiar sense of sapping courage, especially among soldiers. The morale in the word once meant morality or good conduct, before French usage also made it mean a group’s spirits and confidence. So when a team is demoralized, the word carries a small historical twist: its “morals” have not necessarily worsened, but its fighting spirit has.
Modern Usage
To drain hope or confidence from someone or a group.
Kin & Kindred
From 'de-'·Down, away, or removal; here, “remove.”
Derived Terms
English words from this root
From 'morale'·Morality or good conduct; later, confidence and spirits.
Derived Terms
English words from this root