Dispirit

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

UK: /dɪˈspɪr.ɪt/ | US: /dɪˈspɪr.ət/

Definitions

• To cause someone to lose enthusiasm, hope, or confidence.
• To depress or weaken someone’s spirit or morale.
• To make someone feel dejected or disheartened.

Usage Examples

• The constant criticism began to dispirit the young artist.
• Failure should not dispirit you, but rather motivate you to try again.

Etymology

Derived from Latin dis- (apart, away) and spiritus (breath, spirit), meaning "to take away spirit."

Synonyms

• Discourage
• Demoralize
• Dishearten

Antonyms

• Encourage
• Inspire
• Motivate

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dɪˈspɪr.ɪt/
• American English: /dɪˈspɪr.ət/
• Australian English: /dɪˈspɪr.ɪt/

Historical Usage

First recorded in the 16th century, often used in religious and poetic contexts to describe a loss of spiritual vigor.

Cultural Nuances

While "dispirit" is used in both literary and conversational contexts, it is more commonly replaced by "discourage" in modern English.

More Information

Dispirit is often used in psychological and emotional contexts, describing the impact of negativity, criticism, or failure on a person's morale. It is frequently seen in discussions about leadership, motivation, and personal resilience, emphasizing the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and drive despite challenges.