Definition of "dishearten" [dis•heart•en]

• To shake or destroy the courage or resolution of; dispirit. See Synonyms at discourage. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "This is to dishearten the Kristianos outside, break their spirit."
• "The dilapidated gate could not deter her, the creaking shutters could not dishearten her, the spider web-laced windows could not dissuade her."
• "At the very least, however, it would dishearten Gadhafi's supporters and buy time for the rebels."