defeatism
UK[dɪˈfiːtɪzəm]US[dɪˈfiːtɪzəm]
n
The attitude of expecting or accepting defeat too easily, without enough effort or hope.
Morpheme Breakdown
defeat
ism
defeat
to overcome
ism
doctrine or belief
Etymology
The word 'defeatism' is a modern construction, entering English in the early 20th century to describe a psychological attitude prevalent during wartime. Its core, 'defeat', originates from the Latin verb disfacere, meaning 'to undo or destroy', which itself combines the prefix dis- (expressing reversal) and facere ('to do or make'). The suffix '-ism', borrowed from Greek -ismos, systematically forms nouns denoting distinctive practices, systems, or philosophies. Therefore, 'defeatism' literally translates to 'the doctrine or belief in defeat', logically evolving from the concrete act of being militarily defeated to signify the passive, anticipatory acceptance of failure as an attitude.
Analysis
Structure: defeat (to overcome) + ism (doctrine or belief)
defeat: From Anglo-French/Latin defait, past participle of disfacere ('to undo, destroy'), a verb element.
ism: A suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -ismus) forming nouns of action, state, or doctrine.
Examples
The general warned that any hint of defeatism among the troops would cripple the army's morale.
We must combat this culture of defeatism and approach the challenges with renewed determination.
His constant pessimism and defeatism made it difficult for the team to stay motivated.