dishearten, cower, denigrate, enamor, debauch: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 289. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. dishearten · verb/dɪsˈhɑrtən/

   to cause someone to lose confidence or hope

   The constant criticism from her peers began to dishearten her, making her doubt her abilities as an artist.

   Synonyms: discourage, demoralize, dispirit

   Origin: Middle English desheartrenen, from dis- + heart

2. cower · verb/ˈkaʊər/

   to crouch down in fear or submit to someone

   The dog began to cower in the corner when it heard the loud thunder.

   Synonyms: cringe, flinch, shrink

   Origin: Middle English 'coweren', from Old English 'cwurfan', meaning 'to bend or lean over'

3. denigrate · verb/ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt/

   to criticize unfairly or disparagingly

   It's unfair to denigrate someone's efforts when they are trying their best to improve.

   Synonyms: disparage, belittle, demean

   Origin: from Latin 'denigratus', the past participle of 'denigrare', meaning 'to blacken', from 'de-' (down, away) + 'niger' (black)

4. enamor · verb/ɪˈnæmər/

   to inspire a feeling of love or deep affection in someone

   Her kindness and warmth always seem to enamor those around her.

   Synonyms: captivate, infatuate, charm

   Origin: The word 'enamor' comes from the Middle French 'enamourer', which is derived from 'amor' meaning 'love' in Latin ('amor', 'amoris').

5. debauch · verb/dɪˈbɔtʃ/

   to lead away from virtue or excellence by indulgence in sensual pleasures

   The extravagant lifestyle of the wealthy often debauches young artists into a life of excess and vice.

   Synonyms: debauchery, corrupt, seduce

   Origin: The word 'debauch' comes from the French 'déboucher', meaning 'to lead out', from 'baucher' meaning 'to lead' or 'bring out'. The use of the word evolved in English to refer specifically to leading someone away from morality.