Disenchanted: meaning, definitions and examples

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disenchanted

[ˌdɪsɪnˈtʃɑːntɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling disillusioned or disappointed

Disenchanted means feeling disillusioned or disappointed, especially with something previously idealized. It is the state of no longer believing in the magic or charm of something.

Synonyms

cynical, disappointed, disillusioned, skeptical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disenchanted	Used when someone feels let down after discovering that something or someone is not as good as they once believed. Often involves a loss of innocence or idealism. She became disenchanted with politics after seeing the corruption involved He felt disenchanted by the corporate world
disillusioned	Applied when someone becomes disappointed and loses belief in the true nature or value of something or someone they once admired, often following a realization of reality. He became disillusioned with his job after seeing the unethical practices She felt disillusioned with the promises of her political leaders
disappointed	Used when someone feels sadness or displeasure due to unmet expectations or hopes. She was disappointed by the movie's ending He felt disappointed when the event was canceled
cynical	Applied when someone shows a belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying a disdainful outlook on human nature. He has a cynical view of human nature, thinking no one is altruistic Her cynical remarks about charity betrayed her distrust in people's intentions
skeptical	Used when someone doubts the truth or value of something until there is more evidence. This word does not necessarily carry a negative connotation, but implies a questioning attitude. She was skeptical about the new diet craze He remained skeptical until he saw the proof himself

Examples of usage

I used to be so in love with the idea of working for this company, but now I feel disenchanted by the reality of the toxic work environment.
After years of chasing his dream of becoming a famous actor, he became disenchanted with the superficiality of the industry.
She felt disenchanted with politics after witnessing the corruption and lack of integrity in the government.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to cause someone to feel disillusioned or disappointed

Disenchanted can also be used as a verb to describe the action of causing someone to feel disillusioned or disappointed.

Synonyms

disappoint, dishearten, disillusion, dissatisfy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disenchanted	Use when someone loses their former belief or admiration for something or someone, often after gaining a new understanding. After working there for a few months, she became disenchanted with the company's practices
disillusion	Use when someone has their ideals or illusions shattered, often resulting in a sense of betrayal or reality check. She was disillusioned to discover that her hero had committed fraud
disappoint	Use when someone or something fails to meet expectations, causing feelings of sadness or frustration. The movie didn’t live up to the hype and disappointed many fans
dissatisfy	Use when someone or something does not meet a standard of satisfaction, causing unhappiness or complaint. The poor customer service began to dissatisfy the regular customers
dishearten	Use when someone loses hope or enthusiasm, often due to a setback or continuous difficulties. The team was disheartened after losing three games in a row

Examples of usage

The constant lies and broken promises disenchanted the voters, leading to a major shift in political support.
The company's unethical practices eventually disenchanted many of its employees, resulting in a high turnover rate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'enchant,' which means to delight or attract as if by magic.
It gained popularity in the English language in the 19th century, often expressing a loss of faith or wonder.
Related terms include 'enchantment,' which refers to a magical charm or influence.

Literature

Many fairy tales feature characters who become disenchanted with their worlds after realizing they are not as perfect as they seemed.
The theme of disillusionment is central in works like 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger, exploring the loss of childhood innocence.
In Shakespeare's plays, characters often face disillusionment as the truth of their situations unfolds.

Psychology

Disenchantment can be linked to feelings of rejection, often occurring when expectations do not meet reality.
The psychological concept of 'cognitive dissonance' explains the discomfort people feel when their beliefs conflict with new experiences.
This emotion can lead to a sense of apathy or numbness when individuals repeatedly encounter disappointing situations.

Pop Culture

The popular animated series 'Disenchantment' creatively explores the concept of disenchantment set in a medieval fantasy realm.
Rock music often captures disenchanted sentiments, with many lyrics reflecting feelings of disillusionment about love and society.
Films like 'The Wizard of Oz' showcase characters who initially seek enchantment but eventually find reality to be harsher.

Sociology

In modern society, increasing disenchantment can stem from rapid technological changes that outpace human adaptation.
Youth disenchantment is often highlighted in protests and movements, where young people express dissatisfaction with political and social systems.
The term reflects broader societal shifts where idealistic visions collide with harsh realities, influencing cultural narratives and actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "disenchanted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desencantado

🇮🇳 मोहभंग

🇩🇪 enttäuscht

🇮🇩 kecewa

🇺🇦 розчарований

🇵🇱 rozczarowany

🇯🇵 幻滅した

🇫🇷 désenchanté

🇪🇸 desencantado

🇹🇷 hayal kırıklığına uğramış

🇰🇷 환멸을 느낀

🇸🇦 مخيّب الأمل

🇨🇿 zklamaný

🇸🇰 sklamaný

🇨🇳 失望

🇸🇮 razočaran

🇮🇸 vonsvikinn

🇰🇿 көңілі қалған

🇬🇪 გაწბილებული

🇦🇿 məyus

🇲🇽 desencantado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,814, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25811 massaging
25812 crustacean
25813 luminescent
25814 disenchanted
25815 manicured
25816 vocalist
25817 crowing
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