Words / C1

dis-i-LOOZHN/ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒn/

To disillusion is to make someone see that a belief was false: disillusioned with politics, the results disillusioned the staff. Disappointment is everyday and milder; disenchant is a close cousin. Disillusionment is the noun; disillusioned is the usual adjective. In speech, it shattered the idea or they saw through it is enough. You disillusion a person, not a policy. The process is often painful; do not use it for a tiny unmet preference.

Meaning

To make someone see that a belief was false.

Examples

• “The results disillusioned even the optimistic staff.”
• “The results disillusioned even the optimistic staff: the gap had widened.”
• “Travel did not disillusion her about the city; the bureaucracy did.”

Good to know

Destroy a false hope. Adjective: disillusioned (with). Noun: disillusionment. Everyday: it shattered the idea. Close: disenchant. Stronger than disappoint.

Near in meaning

disenchant

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