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1

dismay

play
verb dis·may \dis-ˈmā, diz-\

Definition of dismay

dismayed

;

dismaying
  1. transitive verb

  2. 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

  3. 2 :  upset, perturb were dismayed by the condition of the building

dismayingly

play \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

See dismay defined for English-language learners

See dismay defined for kids

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Examples of dismay in a Sentence

  1. Her choice of career dismays her parents.

  2. the imposing climb up the mountain dismayed us even before we got started

Origin and Etymology of dismay

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


First Known Use: 13th century

dismay Synonyms

Synonyms
chill, daunt, demoralize, dishearten, discourage, dispirit, frustrate, unman, unnerve
Antonyms
embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel
Related Words
browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate; depress, sadden, weigh; afflict, try; damp, dampen, deaden; distress, trouble; bother, irk, vex, worry; debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken; frighten, horrify, scare
Near Antonyms
buoy (up), cheer, gladden; animate, enliven, invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; assure, reassure; boost, energize, excite, galvanize, inspire, lift, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir

Synonym Discussion of dismay

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
2

dismay

noun dis·may

Definition of dismay

  1. 1 :  sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear watched with dismay as flames engulfed their home

  2. 2a :  sudden disappointment announced her retirement, much to the dismay of her fansb :  perturbation 1 expressed dismay at his strange behavior

See dismay defined for English-language learners

Examples of dismay in a Sentence

  1. His comments were met with cries of dismay.

  2. They watched in dismay as the house burned.

  3. Much to the dismay of her fans, she announced her retirement immediately after the book's release.

  4. To my dismay, I did not get chosen for the job.

  5. We listened with dismay to the news of the accident.

Origin and Etymology of dismay

see 1dismay


First Known Use: 14th century

dismay Synonyms

Synonyms
disappointment, dissatisfaction, frustration, letdown
Antonyms
content, contentedness, contentment, gratification, satisfaction
Related Words
crestfallenness, discontent, discontentedness, discontentment, disgruntlement, displeasure; disenchantment, disillusionment; blues, dejectedness, dejection, depression, desolateness, desolation, despondency, disconsolateness, distress, doldrums, dolefulness, dolor, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, gloom, gloominess, joylessness, melancholy, mopes, oppression, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness; chagrin, discomfiture
Near Antonyms
fulfillment (or fulfilment); bliss, felicity, gladness, happiness, joy

DISMAY Defined for English Language Learners

dismay

play
verb

Definition of dismay for English Language Learners

  • : to cause (someone) to feel very worried, disappointed, or upset

dismay

noun

Definition of dismay for English Language Learners

  • : a strong feeling of being worried, disappointed, or upset

DISMAY Defined for Kids

1

dismay

play
verb dis·may \dis-ˈmā\

Definition of dismay for Students

dismayed

;

dismaying

  1. :  to feel worry, disappointment, fear, or shock … I was dismayed to see what a mess my guests had made of my tree house. — Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain

2

dismay

play
noun dis·may

Definition of dismay for Students

  1. :  a feeling of fear, disappointment, shock, or worry We listened with dismay to the bad news.

Learn More about dismay

  1. See words that rhyme with dismay Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dismay Spanish Central: Translation of dismay Nglish: Translation of dismay for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dismay for Arabic speakers

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Examples: dismay in a Sentence
Tip: Synonym Guide