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Dispirit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dispirit

[dɪˈspɪrɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

To dispirit someone means to cause them to lose hope, enthusiasm, or confidence. It often involves undermining someone's morale or motivation. This can happen through negative feedback, discouraging events, or challenging circumstances. When a person is dispirited, they might feel defeated or apathetic about their goals or aspirations. The act of dispiriting can have significant emotional effects on an individual or a group.

Synonyms

deject, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dismay.

Examples of usage

  • The constant criticism dispirited the team.
  • Rainy weather can dispirit even the most optimistic people.
  • He tried not to let criticism dispirit him.
  • The loss of the game dispirited the fans.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'dispirit'

The word 'dispirit' originated in the late 14th century as a combination of the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'apart' or 'away', and 'spirit', which refers to the emotional or mental state of individuals. The term 'spirit' itself comes from the Latin 'spiritus', meaning 'breath' or 'soul', suggesting an essence that is life-giving or vital. Over time, 'dispirit' evolved to specifically signify the act of taking away someone's spirit or enthusiasm. Its usage has been linked to various contexts, particularly in literature and discussions surrounding morale, hinting at its deep roots in emotional and psychological discourse. As language evolved, 'dispirit' maintained its significance, often appearing in texts addressing moral or motivational themes, emphasizing the human experience of hope and despair.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,055, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.