De-motivates can be replaced with various other synonyms depending on the context. Some alternatives for de-motivates are discourages, disheartens, demoralizes, undermines, dampens, lowers morale, saps enthusiasm, discourages progress, impedes growth, lessens the zeal, dissuades, demotivates, daunts, and depresses. These words can be used interchangeably to express the negative impact of something on a person's motivation level. For instance, a hostile work environment can demoralize and de-motivate employees, resulting in lower productivity. Understanding the nuances of these synonyms and choosing the perfect one can enhance the impact of your expression and convey your message more effectively.