disillusion
dihs-ih-LOO-zhuhn
Disillusion (verb) means to make someone realize that a belief they held was false, often leaving them disappointed. Example: “Meeting his hero in person only disillusioned him further.”
verb
1
To make someone realize that a belief they held was false, often leaving them disappointed.
"Meeting his hero in person only disillusioned him further."
noun
1
The state of having lost a false belief, often leading to disappointment.
"Years of broken promises led to widespread disillusion with the government."
How to use disillusion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLosing a belief you once trusted, and the letdown that comes with realizing it wasn't true.
Common mistake
"Disillusion" and "disillusionment" are often used interchangeably, but "disillusionment" is the more common noun form in everyday writing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
disillusioned with
growing disillusion
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Word forms
- Plural
- disillusions
- Third person singular
- disillusions
- Past tense
- disillusioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Meeting his hero in person only _____ him further.
Etymology
Built from dis- plus illusion — literally the removal of an illusion.
Related words
Rhymes for disillusion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for disillusion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “disillusion” mean?
The word “disillusion” means to make someone realize that a belief they held was false, often leaving them disappointed. In plain terms, losing a belief you once trusted, and the letdown that comes with realizing it wasn't true.
How do you pronounce “disillusion”?
“Disillusion” is pronounced dihs-ih-LOO-zhuhn (/dɪs.ɪˈluːʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “disillusion” in a sentence?
Here is “disillusion” used in a sentence: “Meeting his hero in person only disillusioned him further.”
What part of speech is “disillusion”?
Depending on how it is used, “disillusion” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “disillusion” have?
“Disillusion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make someone realize that a belief they held was false, often leaving them disappointed.
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