Feeling discouraged, demoralized, or having lost hope and enthusiasm. It describes the emotional state when one's spirit or motivation has been significantly dampened.
From 'dis-' (away, apart) plus 'heart' plus '-ened', literally meaning 'to take heart away from.' First used in the 17th century, it reflects the ancient belief that the heart was the seat of courage and emotion.
The word literally means 'having your heart taken away,' which perfectly captures how discouragement feels like something vital has been removed from your core. Psychologically, being disheartened often precedes learned helplessness — when we stop trying because we believe our efforts won't matter.
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