Disillusions

To **disillusion** someone is to free them from an idealistic, false belief, or hope. It's a process of shattering one's illusions about the world, a person, or a situation, often leading to disappointment and a more realistic, perhaps cynical, understanding. The term implies a loss of innocence or naiveté, a confrontation with the truth, however unpleasant. It's a stripping away of rose-tinted glasses, revealing the world in a less flattering, but often more accurate, light. The experience can be painful, but potentially, lead to more informed decisions.

Disillusions meaning with examples

• The whistleblower's revelations disillusions many citizens about the corporation's ethical practices, as they previously believed in its corporate social responsibility campaigns. Exposed to evidence of pollution and exploitation, they now see the company's actions differently. This newfound information forces a reconsideration of previous beliefs and prompts a call for greater accountability and change.
• Reading the autobiography disillusions fans regarding their idol. Previously held in high regard because of their on-screen heroic roles, the stories of vanity and selfishness showed a flawed personality that contrasts with the character they projected, leading to a re-evaluation of the celebrity's integrity and the nature of fame in general.
• The economic downturn disillusions optimistic graduates who previously thought that securing high-paying jobs post-graduation would be easy. The reality of fierce competition and limited opportunities forces them to readjust their expectations. They are forced to consider less favorable options and confront challenges they hadn't anticipated, and a need to re-evaluate their career plans.
• Years of campaigning on a specific set of promises finally being in a position to enact law that would improve citizens's lives, the politicians's inability to deliver on their promises ultimately disillusions the voters who were previously in support. Realizing the complexities and compromises inherent in governing, people’s once-strong faith in the political process could suffer, as their hopes turn to skepticism.