demobilizes

Definition

To cause someone to stop participating in an organized activity or to make them feel that their involvement is unnecessary, effectively discouraging action.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'de-' (reversal) and 'mobilize' (to move into action), which traces back to the Latin 'mobilis' (moveable) and was historically used to describe discharging soldiers from military service.

In the news

The author argues that overly confident election forecasts demobilize voters by creating a false sense of certainty that their individual vote will not matter.

Psychology powers activate! Campaign like 10 up or 10 down? What does the research say?

Daily Kos

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