This verb means to become disheartened, lose courage, or grow despondent. Classical Greek employed it for becoming discouraged in the face of illness or difficulty, or being afraid. Paul uses it in Colossians 3:21 warning fathers not to provoke their children "lest they become discouraged." The concern is that harsh, unreasonable treatment will break a child's spirit, causing them to lose heart and become dejected. The verb captures the interior emotional collapse that comes from feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or unable to meet impossible standards.