dismay
verb (used with object)
to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt.
have dismayed
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present perfectof dismay.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.
While Mr. Blanche was Republicans’ whipping boy, their real target was Mr. Trump, whose recent interventions in Republican politics have dismayed them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026
But while the severity of the punishment meted out may have dismayed many, there is a very real danger that the situation facing the club could soon become even more serious.
From BBC ● Nov. 18, 2023
The numbers have dismayed researchers, who note this age group continues to be at the highest risk for serious illness and death from covid-19.
From Salon ● May 25, 2022
The allegations levelled against the Carabinieri have dismayed the Italian establishment.
From New York Times ● Sep. 9, 2017
The blast of a trumpet, the smash of a pile of crockery, or a pistol-shot fired by her ear would not have dismayed the feline to such an extent.
From My Private Menagerie from The Works of Theophile Gautier Volume 19 by Théophile Gautier
