ernüchtern
Translation
to sober up, to disillusion
Examples
Die kalte Luft hat ihn ernüchtert.
The cold air sobered him up.
Die Realität wird dich schnell ernüchtern.
Reality will quickly disillusion you.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to disillusion/sober (sb.) The bad news sobered her.
Similar Words
to disillusion, to disappoint
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (to make/cause) and the adjective 'nüchtern' (sober). Literally, 'to make sober'.
Memory Tips
It can be used literally (to sober someone up from alcohol) and figuratively (to disillusion someone from their ideals).