discouragement

Discouragement, n.

Etymology: [Cf. OF. descouragement, F. découragement.]

1. The act of discouraging, or the state of being discouraged; depression or weakening of confidence; dejection.

2. That which discourages; that which deters, or tends to deter, from an undertaking, or from the prosecution of anything; a determent; as, the revolution was commenced under every possible discouragement. "Discouragements from vice." Swift.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for discouragement; he lists it under despair.

Where he writes about it:

Discouragement is the result of so much repulse or failure as wears out courage. — from despair

Synonyms

despair desperation despondency hopelessness

Antonyms

anticipation assurance cheer confidence courage elation encouragement expectancy expectation hope hopefulness trust

etymology Webster’s online