Main Entry:

¹dis·may

Pronunciation:

\dis-ˈmā, diz-\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

dis·mayed; dis·may·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French desmaier, from des- dis- + -maier, from Vulgar Latin *-magare, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German magan to be able — more at may

Date:

13th century

1 : to cause to lose courage or resolution (as because of alarm or fear) <must not let ourselves be dismayed by the task before us> 2 : upset, perturb <were dismayed by the condition of the building>

— dis·may·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

synonyms dismay, appall, horrify, daunt mean to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion. dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something <dismayed at the size of the job>. appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks <I am appalled by your behavior>. horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion <was horrified by such wanton cruelty>. daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage <a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber>.