dismay
verb (used with object)
to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt.
has dismayed
-
present perfectof dismay (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
But her hedging has dismayed some former campaign staffers and supporters.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
The shutoff of water has dismayed and angered environmental activists, who have argued in court that chronic overallocation and a rigid water-rights framework have caused profound harm to the river and its wildlife.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2024
One of the things that has dismayed Kate Delany, president of the South Jersey Progressive Democrats, is that when her group brings new voices to the table, the larger party structure treats them as outsiders.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 7, 2021
That the United States remains largely closed has dismayed Europeans and frustrated their leaders, who are demanding that Europe’s decision to open its borders be reciprocated.
From New York Times ● Aug. 10, 2021
‘Whatever it was, its fall has dismayed our enemies.’
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
