De-mŏr'al-īze, v. t.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. DEMORALIZED; p. pr. & vb. n. DEMORALIZING.] [Fr. démoraliser, from dé and moraliser. See MORALIZE.] To corrupt or undermine the morals of; to destroy or lessen the effect of moral principles on; to render corrupt in morals, in discipline, in courage, &c. “The demoralizing example of profligate power and prosperous crime.” Walsh. The vices of the nobility had demoralized the army. Bancroft.