dismay
[ dis-mey ]
/ dɪsˈmeɪ /
verb (used with object)
to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt: The surprise attack dismayed the enemy.
to surprise in such a manner as to disillusion: She was dismayed to learn of their disloyalty.
to alarm; perturb: The new law dismayed some of the more conservative politicians.
noun
sudden or complete loss of courage; utter disheartenment.
sudden disillusionment.
agitation of mind; perturbation; alarm.
Nearby words
dismal, dismal science, dismal swamp, dismantle, dismast, dismay, disme, dismember, dismiss, dismissal, dismissive
Origin of dismay
SYNONYMS FOR dismay
4 consternation, terror, panic, horror, fear.
Related forms
dis·mayed·ness [dis-meyd-nis, -mey-id-] /dɪsˈmeɪd nɪs, -ˈmeɪ ɪd-/, noundis·may·ing·ly, adverbun·dis·mayed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for dismayed
British Dictionary definitions for dismayed
dismay
/ (dɪsˈmeɪ) /
verb (tr)
to fill with apprehension or alarm
to fill with depression or discouragement
noun
consternation or agitation
Derived Forms
dismaying, adjectiveWord Origin for dismay
C13: from Old French desmaiier (unattested), from des- dis- 1 + esmayer to frighten, ultimately of Germanic origin; see may 1
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