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

'disheartenen' transformed into the modern English word 'dishearten' and eventually became 'disheartened' as an adjective form.

Initially, it meant 'to take away courage,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to lose determination or confidence.'