demoralizing
UK[dɪˈmɒrəlaɪzɪŋ]US[dɪˈmɔːrəlaɪzɪŋ]
adj
causing someone to lose confidence or hope; dispiriting.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
moral
izing
de
remove
moral
morals
izing
making
Etymology
the word demoralizing is built upon the core concept of "morale," which originates from the latin moralis, relating to customs or character. the prefix de- acts as a reversive force, stripping away or reducing this state. the suffix -ize transforms this action into a verb, and the -ing form turns it into an adjective describing the agent of this action. thus, the literal construction "making (someone) have their morale removed" perfectly captures the modern abstract sense of causing a loss of confidence or spirit.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + moral (morals) + izing (making)
de: a latin prefix meaning "down from, off, away, completely," used here to indicate removal or reversal.
moral: from latin moralis (pertaining to manners or character), referring to principles of right and wrong or mental/spirit.
izing: the english suffix -ize (to make, to cause to be) combined with the present participle suffix -ing, forming an adjective meaning "making or causing to be."
Examples
the team's string of losses had a demoralizing effect on the players.
receiving constant criticism can be incredibly demoralizing.
the long, bureaucratic process was demoralizing for the enthusiastic volunteers.