demoralizern.
/dᵻˈmɒrəlʌɪzə/, U.S. /dəˈmɔrəˌlaɪzər/, /diˈmɔrəˌlaɪzər/ 1. A person or activity that corrupts or undermines the morals or moral principles of a person, society, etc. Now somewhat archaic (chiefly U.S.).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > moral or spiritual degeneration > degrading or impairing morally > [noun] > one who or that which
demoralizer1799
rotten (also bad) apple1887
1799 T. Paine Oration 23 Deal therefore with these ferocious demoralizers, as our crafty mariners trade with the savages of the Indian ocean.
1820 ‘S. Sinecure’ Fair Play (sub-title) Who are the Adulterers, Slanderers and Demoralizers?
1881 Voice (N.Y.) 25 Aug. 1 It [sc. rum traffic] is the general demoralizer.
1892 Catholic News 8 Oct. p. vi/6 Licenced demoralizers surrounded by admiring crowds.
1922 H. G. Duncan Changing Race Relationship iii. 53 How much better it is to spend $100 toward educating an ambitious young Negro, than have him become a criminal, a destroyer of property, a murderer of human beings, and a demoralizer of society!
1985 R. Johnson in I. Van Sertima Afr. Presence in Early Europe (2009) 277 The critique of the Christian European as a devious, hypocritical demoralizer of the innocent, trusting African.
2. A cause of a loss of confidence, hope, or morale; something which is demoralizing. Also in extended use.
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1903 H. Carleton Geneal. & Family Hist. Vermont I. 462/2 [He] was a leader and solidifier of his own political party and a demoralizer of the ranks of the opposition.
1908 Amer. Bottler 15 July 36 f/2 The season opened late, owing to coolness of weather, and the melon, which is a complete demoralizer to our business, will be with us soon.
1985 Times 27 Mar. 17/6 I could see a system like this being a demoralizer and a divider of staffs.
2007 Chicago Daily Herald (Nexis) 12 Apr. 4 What they want to do is a real demoralizer for our troops.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1799