Category:Demoralize

De*mor"al*ize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Demoralized; p. pr. & vb. n. Demoralizing.] Etym: [F. démoraliser; pref. dé- (L. dis- or de) + moraliser. See Moralize.]

Defn: To corrupt or undermine in morals; to destroy or lessen the effect of moral principles on; to render corrupt or untrustworthy in morals, in discipline, in courage, spirit, etc.; to weaken in spirit or efficiency. The demoralizing example of profligate power and prosperous crime. Walsh. The vices of the nobility had demoralized the army. Bancroft.