displease

[ dis-pleez ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·pleased, dis·pleas·ing.

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

   His reply displeased the judge.

verb (used without object)

, dis·pleased, dis·pleas·ing.

1. to be unpleasant; cause displeasure:

   Bad weather displeases.

displease

/ dɪsˈpliːz /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• disˈpleasingly, adverb
• disˈpleasing, adjective

Other Words From

• dis·pleasing·ly adverb
• dis·pleasing·ness noun
• self-dis·pleased adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of displease¹

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

Example Sentences

Watson recently has requested that the Texans trade him, reportedly displeased that the team didn’t follow through on promises that he would have input in an organizational overhaul this offseason.

From Washington Post

This will displease only hawks who pray for large-scale U.S. air attacks plus lots of U.S. aid and ground-level advice.

From The Daily Beast

Davies said he disregarded these orders but did not want to displease a man he respected so much.

From The Daily Beast

Ethel's mode of pleading was unfortunate; the "very foolish of Margaret" were the very words to displease.

From Project Gutenberg

You are an honest man,404 and do not make it your business either to please or displease the favourites.

From Project Gutenberg

If I understand you rightly, monsieur, you have decided to rid yourself of persons who annoy you or displease you?

From Project Gutenberg

He supped with me; but a cunning, crafty fellow he is, and dangerous to displease, for his tongue spares nobody.

From Project Gutenberg

For a word, she would flare up into a sudden anger, nor try as he would, could he divine what action of his would displease her.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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