displease

American

[dis-pleez] / dɪsˈpliz /

verb (used with object)

displeased, displeasing

to incur the dissatisfaction, dislike, or disapproval of; offend; annoy.

His reply displeased the judge.

verb (used without object)

displeased, displeasing

to be unpleasant; cause displeasure.

Bad weather displeases.

displease British

/ dɪsˈpliːz /

verb

to annoy, offend, or cause displeasure to (someone)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

displeasing adjective
displeasingly adverb
displeasingness noun
self-displeased adjective

Etymology

Origin of displease

1300–50; Middle English desplesen < Anglo-French, Middle French desplaisir. See dis- ¹, please

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It has split the community with those against the use of the hotel and others displeased with regular protests and marches and an increased police presence.

From BBC

Observers suggested the pause likely reflected Colombia's deep frustration: the country had been at the forefront of efforts to include a "roadmap," and was displeased with how the talks concluded.

From Barron's

Their warlord father is displeased with both of them.

From Los Angeles Times

But until she’s stirred by the earthquake and chocolate, Amélie refuses to engage with reality, observing without making any effort to move or talk, as if displeased with having been born.

From Los Angeles Times

Treasury Secretary Bessent was sitting in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September when he read a text message from a displeased colleague.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023