disillusion
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪsɪˈluːʒən/
KK: /dɪsɪˈluːʒən/
noun
Definition
The state of being disappointed because something is not as good as you believed it to be.
Example
After learning the truth about the company, she felt a deep sense of disillusion.
Conversation
Have you ever felt a sense of disillusion about something you once loved?
Oh, totally! I used to be really into that band, but their last album was disappointing.
Exactly! It's such a letdown when something you cherish doesn't live up to your expectations.
Yeah, it makes you question why you liked it in the first place.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
disenchantment
disappointment
letdown
Antonyms
satisfaction
contentment
fulfillment
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone realize that something they believed was true is actually false or not as good as they thought.
Example
The harsh reality of the situation disillusioned him about his dreams of becoming a famous actor.
Tense Forms
Past: disillusioned
Past Participle: disillusioned
Conversation
I think it's time to disillusion myself about that job opportunity.
What do you mean by that?
I realized it's not as great as I hoped, and I need to face the reality.
Root Explanation
Disillusion is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "illusion" (from Latin "illudere", meaning to mock or deceive). The word describes the process of being freed from a false belief or deception, thus separating oneself from an illusion.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'freed from' ('dis-') a 'deception' ('illusion') — that's what disillusion means.
Visually Confused Words
undisillusioned
illusion