Definition of chagrin
: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
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Examples of chagrin in a Sentence
As many a woman has learned to her chagrin, pathological liars are brilliant at deception. —Katha Pollitt, Nation, 16 June 2003
In World War I, to his chagrin, Eisenhower again found himself on the sidelines, performing training duties stateside while Pershing, MacArthur, and Patton earned their battle ribbons. —U.S. News & World Report, 16 Mar. 1998
In 1628, to the chagrin of Governor William Bradford, the Pilgrims erected an 80-foot Maypole, danced around it, drank beer, and sang. —E. C. Krupp, Sky & Telescope, May 1994
Imagine my chagrin when a whiz kid from Dayton made all A's in the first quarter while I made two B's and a C+. —John Hope Franklin, Race and History, 1989
The fact that he'd been unable to attend the funeral was a source of chagrin for Ted.
She had gained five pounds over the winter, much to her chagrin.
He decided to get a tattoo, to the chagrin of his parents.
Did You Know?
Chagrin comes from French, in which it means "grief," "sorrow," or essentially the same thing as our "chagrin," and in which it is also an adjective meaning "sad." Some etymologists have linked this "chagrin" with another French chagrin, meaning "rough leather or "rough skin." Supposedly, the rough leather used to rub, polish, or file became a metaphor in French for agitating situations. English-speakers have also adopted the leathery "chagrin" into our language but have altered the spelling to "shagreen."
Origin and Etymology of chagrin
French, from chagrin sad
First Known Use: circa 1681
Origin and Etymology of chagrin
see 1chagrin
First Known Use: 1733
CHAGRIN Defined for English Language Learners
chagrin
playDefinition of chagrin for English Language Learners
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: a feeling of being frustrated or annoyed because of failure or disappointment
CHAGRIN Defined for Kids
chagrin
playDefinition of chagrin for Students
: a feeling of being annoyed by failure or disappointment … curiosity soon overcame any chagrin he felt at not being allowed to pass the doorway. — Brian Jacques, Redwall
Learn More about chagrin
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See words that rhyme with chagrin Spanish Central: Translation of chagrin Nglish: Translation of chagrin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of chagrin for Arabic speakers
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