dismay

verb dis·may \ dis-ˈmā , diz- \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of dismay

dismayed; dismaying

transitive verb

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

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dismayingly

play \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

See dismay defined for English-language learners

See dismay defined for kids

Examples of dismay in a Sentence

Her choice of career dismays her parents.
the imposing climb up the mountain dismayed us even before we got started

Recent Examples of dismay from the Web

Last week, the first trailer for the new season of The Originals debuted and left some fans dismayed with how little Klaus and Caroline were featured, despite the major buildup that this would be their chance to reconnect.

— brianna wiest, Teen Vogue, "Candice King on Her Return as Caroline in “The Originals” and How It Was Supposed to Be a “Quick” Goodbye," 3 Apr. 2018
The State Board of Elections shows the check reported at 10:25 p.m. Saturday night, when a lot of people weren't done being dismayed by Loyola's loss.

— chicago tribune staff, chicagotribune.com, "Morning Spin: Pritzker gives his campaign $7 million more, first check since primary win," 2 Apr. 2018
Best was understandably dismayed that none of the other Beatles had discussed their dissatisfaction with his drumming, or even hinted his ouster was imminent.

— george varga, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Beatles' alum Pete Best eager to make his debut at the San Diego Beatles Fair," 28 Mar. 2018
By Thursday, two challengers who had been dismayed by the remarks were scrambling to complete the paperwork needed to run for the seat before the filing deadline that night.

— matt stevens, New York Times, "‘Skinhead Lesbian’ Tweet About Parkland Student Ends Maine Republican’s Candidacy," 18 Mar. 2018
Representatives for both photographers said they were dismayed and surprised by the allegations.

— latimes.com, "Only women presenters are invited to this year's SAG Awards, hosted by Kristen Bell," 2 Jan. 2018
Quakes fans were dismayed when Donovan signed with the rival LA Galaxy and went on to win four more MLS Cup championships with Los Angeles.

— anne m. peterson, chicagotribune.com, "Wondolowski chasing Donovan scoring record in 14th season," 28 Mar. 2018
Pickle and Belly Button are envious, aroused and appalled by the amorality of the rich, and the viewer is at once dismayed by the cruelty of this society and seduced by Mr. Huang’s smooth and witty style.

— manohla dargis and a.o. scott, New York Times, "11 Movies You Need to Know at New Directors/New Films," 27 Mar. 2018
Today, top gardeners are turning to the seed packet, dismayed by the predictable plant selections in mass-market nurseries or big-box stores.

— cynthia kling, WSJ, "Old-School Gardening: The 8 Most Reliable Flowers and Veggies to Grow From Seed," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dismay.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

dismay Synonyms

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

dismay

noun

Definition of dismay

1 : sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear

watched with dismay as flames engulfed their home

2 a : sudden disappointment

announced her retirement, much to the dismay of her fans

b : perturbation 1

expressed dismay at his strange behavior

See dismay defined for English-language learners

Examples of dismay in a Sentence

His comments were met with cries of dismay.
They watched in dismay as the house burned.
Much to the dismay of her fans, she announced her retirement immediately after the book's release.
To my dismay, I did not get chosen for the job.
We listened with dismay to the news of the accident.