What is the opposite of the word "motivate"?

The term "motivate" refers to instilling enthusiasm or a desire to take action and achieve goals. It involves fostering energy, inspiration, and encouragement in an individual or group. The opposite of this action would be to "dishearten" someone, which means to discourage or diminish their enthusiasm and desire to pursue goals. When a person is disheartened, they may feel less motivated to take initiative or strive for success, as their confidence and zeal are diminished.

Other options such as "banish," "uneasy," and "alleviate" do not directly oppose the idea of motivation. "Banish" implies removal or exclusion, which isn't inherently linked to discouraging motivation. "Uneasy" describes a state of discomfort or anxiety, while "alleviate" refers to easing or reducing something, typically pain or difficulty. None of these words captures the concept of discouraging or demotivating a person in the way that "dishearten" does.