défaitiste

defeatist

adjective noun deh-feh-TEEST Rare

Usage Note

Défaitiste describes someone who expects failure and acts accordingly, undermining collective morale. The related noun le défaitisme is the attitude itself. The word gained prominence during World War I when 'defeatism' was a serious political charge in France. Both noun and adjective forms are the same regardless of gender.

Examples

"Arrête d'être aussi défaitiste !"

Natural Translation

Stop being so defeatist!

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