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

“Your agency’s mission is to serve the public interest, not to act as an enforcement arm for political retribution against media outlets that displease those in power.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve got every right to be here, buddy,” Hersh bats back to a displeased listener and you thrill to an era when breaking the news wasn’t chilled by caution.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking about his upcoming quarter-final, Djokovic said his daughter Tara was displeased it will take place on the same day as her birthday.

From BBC

The death penalty is part of it, but stomping on civil rights is at the heart of it — ruthlessly exploiting anxiety about crime to aim repression at whatever displeases him, from immigration protesters to murderers.

From Los Angeles Times

Such offers have proved controversial for some customers in the past, who are displeased they may have to pay to access features which - in some cases - are already present inside the car they own.

From BBC

Related Words

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