To cause someone to lose courage, confidence, or hope; to weaken someone's resolve or determination through discouragement.
From French demoraliser (de- + morale), entering English in the late 18th century. American English standardized the -ize spelling (versus British -ise). The term evolved from military jargon to general use.
Demoralize is what happens when you attack someone's will instead of their defenses—it's why leaders obsess over maintaining morale and why defeats can spread fear faster than any disease.
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