demoralize
UK[dɪˈmɒrəlaɪz]US[dɪˈmɔːrəlaɪz]
v
To make someone lose confidence, hope, or courage.
v
To weaken the discipline or spirit of a group, such as an army.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
moral
ize
de
remove
moral
morale
ize
make
Etymology
The word 'demoralize' is a modern construction, entering English in the late 18th century. It was formed by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'de-' (indicating removal or reversal) with the root 'moral' in its specific sense of 'morale' or 'spirit' (as in the spirit of an army), and the verb-forming suffix '-ize'. Literally, it means "to remove the morale from." While 'moral' itself traces back to Latin mos (custom, manner), its evolution into the abstract concept of ethical principles and, separately, inner spirit or confidence, provided the semantic basis for this term. The logic of the word perfectly captures its modern meaning: the act of stripping away the confidence and fighting spirit from an individual or group.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + moral (morale) + ize (make)
de: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "down from, away, off, completely," serving a reversing or depriving function.
moral: From Latin moralis (relating to manners or character), here representing the concept of morale or spirit. Its functional role is the core semantic root.
ize: A verb-forming suffix of Greek origin (via Latin and French), meaning "to make, to become, to subject to an action."
Examples
Constant criticism from his coach began to demoralize the young athlete.
The army's defeat served to demoralize the entire nation.
Management tried to boost morale after the layoffs, which had severely demoralized the remaining staff.