The act of subverting or corrupting morals; destruction of moral principles.--Webster. A word of modern origin, but of very extensive use, which, says Mr. D'Israeli, "was the invention of horrid Gapuchin Chabot."
Demoralization is a long, hard word, which has lately been a good deal intruded upon us, as expressive of the change that has taken place lately, not only in the actual morals or manners of the lower orders of people, but in their feelings.--Arch. Nares, Heraldic Anomalies, p. 218.
The cause [of the crimes of the Creoles] is to be found in the existence of Slavery; and the inevitable demoralization which this accursed practice produces, is not checked by any system of religious instruction.--London Quarterly Rev. Nov. 1810.