demoralize

动词 demoralize:

1. corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
   同义词：corrupt, pervert, subvert, demoralise, debauch, debase, profane, vitiate, deprave, misdirect
2. lower someone's spirits; make downhearted
   同义词：depress, deject, cast down, get down, dismay, dispirit, demoralise
3. confuse or put into disorder

1. The troops were thoroughly demoralized by this set-back.
   这一挫败使部队士气丧失殆尽。

de.mor.al.ize

v.tr.（及物动词）
de.mor.al.ized,de.mor.al.iz.ing,de.mor.al.iz.es
To undermine the confidence or morale of; dishearten:
使泄气：破坏信心或士气；使意气沉沉：
例句：
an inconsistent policy that demoralized the staff.
使工作人员泄气的前后不一致的政策

To put into disorder; confuse.
使混乱：使陷入混乱；使混乱
To debase the morals of; corrupt.
使腐化：使道德败化；使腐化

【引伸】
demor.aliza.tion
demor.aliz.er
n.（名词）