Hypertext Webster Gateway: "demoralize"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Demoralize \De*mor"al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Demoralized};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Demoralizing}.] [F. d['e]moraliser; pref.
d['e]- (L. dis- or de) + moraliser. See {Moralize}.]
To corrupt or undermine in morals; to destroy or lessen the
effect of moral principles on; to render corrupt or
untrustworthy in morals, in discipline, in courage, spirit,
etc.; to weaken in spirit or efficiency.
The demoralizing example of profligate power and
prosperous crime. --Walsh.
The vices of the nobility had demoralized the army.
--Bancroft.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
demoralize
v 1: corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality; "debauch
the young people with wine and women" [syn: {corrupt}, {pervert},
{demoralise}, {debauch}, {debase}, {profane}, {vitiate},
{deprave}, {misdirect}]
2: lower someone's spirits; make downhearted; "These news
depressed her"; "The bad state of her child's health
demoralizes her" [syn: {depress}, {deject}, {cast down}, {get
down}, {dismay}, {dispirit}, {demoralise}] [ant: {elate}]
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