break someone's spirit

Frequency: 6.03.2 per million words

To crush someone's morale or will to resist.

spiritVERB + NOUN

Categories:

break

Examples (10)

  • The harsh conditions were designed to break the prisoners' spirit.
  • Years of constant criticism eventually broke her spirit.
  • Don't let setbacks break your spirit; keep fighting.
  • His indomitable spirit made it impossible for anyone to break him.
  • Their spirit could not be broken despite the overwhelming odds.
  • The loss of her child threatened to completely break her spirit.
  • The oppressive regime sought to break the people's spirit of rebellion.
  • It takes a lot to break the spirit of a true artist.
  • Despite all their efforts, they failed to break his spirit.
  • Will this defeat finally break the team's spirit?