Disillusion: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'disillusion' to describe the feeling of losing naive trust or belief in something or someone after discovering it is not as good as once thought.

• She was disillusioned with the political system after realizing most promises were never kept.
• He felt disillusioned when he discovered the truth about his idol's past.

Use 'disappointment' for situations where there is sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.

• The team faced disappointment after losing the championship.
• Her disappointment was evident when she failed to secure the job.

Use 'disenchantment' to describe the feeling of losing one's admiration or enthusiasm for something or someone, typically over a longer period.

• There is widespread disenchantment with the government's policies.
• After years of hard work with little reward, the employees felt disenchantment.

Use 'disillusionment' to denote the state of no longer having the naive faith or admiration one once had, usually resulting in disappointment or sadness.

• There was a sense of disillusionment among the voters after the scandal.
• The author's memoir captures the journey from youthful dreams to disillusionment.

Use when describing the process of losing naive beliefs or unrealistic expectations, typically after being confronted with reality. It often implies a significant change in perception and involves a sense of awakening to the truth.

• After years in the industry, she became disillusioned with the corporate world.
• His experiences in the war disillusioned him about the nobility of combat.

Useful when conveying a sense of sadness or letdown because things did not meet one's expectations. It is often used in both everyday scenarios and more serious contexts.

• She was disappointed when her favorite restaurant closed down.
• The movie's ending disappointed audiences worldwide.

Best used when referring to a loss of enchantment or admiration towards something once held in high regard. It often involves a more gradual process compared to 'disillusion' and has a somewhat softer tone.

• Many voters feel disenchanted with the current political system.
• Over time, he became disenchanted with fame and the lifestyle that came with it.