'dishearten' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'disheartenen,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'hearten' meant 'to give courage or confidence.'

'disheartenen' transformed into the modern English word 'dishearten' through the influence of Old French 'deshearten.'

Initially, it meant 'to take away courage or spirit,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.