'dispirit' originates from Latin elements, specifically from the prefix 'dis-' and the Latin word 'spiritus', where 'dis-' meant 'apart, away, not' and 'spiritus' meant 'breath, spirit'.

'dispirit' changed in Middle and Early Modern English (recorded forms include 'dispiriten'/'dispirite') and eventually produced the adjective 'dispiriting' and the adverb 'dispiritingly' in modern English.

Initially it meant 'to deprive of spirit or courage'; over time this evolved into the current sense 'to discourage' or 'cause loss of enthusiasm', a meaning that has largely been retained.