displease

[dis-pleez]

verb (used with object)

displeased, displeasing 

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

   His reply displeased the judge.

verb (used without object)

displeased, displeasing 

1. to be unpleasant; cause displeasure.

   Bad weather displeases.

displease

/ dɪsˈpliːz /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• displeasingly adverb
• displeasingness noun
• self-displeased adjective
• displeasing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of displease¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on Barron's

His answer must have displeased her, for her voice cut through the barracks like a siren.

Read more on Literature

Their warlord father is displeased with both of them.

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• annoy 
• antagonize 
• bother 
• chagrin 
• disappoint 
• disgust 
• dissatisfy 
• enrage 
• exasperate 
• frustrate 
• gall 
• incense 
• irk 
• irritate 
• offend 
• perplex 
• rile 
• upset 
• vex