Demoralize

To Demoralize is to cause someone to lose confidence or hope; to dishearten or dispirit. This often involves undermining a person's beliefs, courage, or morale, leading to a feeling of helplessness, discouragement, and a decreased willingness to take action. The process can stem from external factors, such as adverse circumstances, criticism, or witnessing defeat, or from internal experiences like self-doubt and disappointment. Demoralization can significantly impact a person's performance, productivity, and overall well-being, hindering their ability to function effectively in personal and professional settings. It’s often a gradual process, slowly eroding a person's resilience and determination. Furthermore, a demoralized individual might exhibit apathy, pessimism, and a lack of motivation. It's a state of diminished optimism and resolve, often a precursor to withdrawal or inaction.

Demoralize meaning with examples

• The constant criticism from her boss started to Demoralize Sarah, making her question her abilities and causing her work quality to suffer. Her once vibrant creativity dwindled, replaced by a fear of failure and a general reluctance to contribute new ideas. She gradually withdrew, feeling increasingly isolated and inadequate.
• The news of the company's impending layoffs quickly demoralized the entire team. The employees, once highly motivated, now felt anxious and insecure about their future. Production slowed as people focused on job hunting. The previously positive atmosphere changed into one of gloom and uncertainty.
• After losing the championship game, the coach worked tirelessly to avoid demoralizing his players. He focused on their efforts and progress throughout the season rather than the final loss. He emphasized lessons learned from defeat, attempting to re-instill their confidence and rekindle their passion.
• The relentless pressure of deadlines and the constant lack of support began to Demoralize the volunteer team. They started to experience burnout and a sense of futility, impacting their enthusiasm and creating a feeling of stagnation within their contributions to the project.