dismay

[ dis-mey ]

verb (used with object)

1. to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt:

   The surprise attack dismayed the enemy.

   Synonyms: intimidate, scare, frighten, terrify, appall

   Antonyms: hearten

2. to surprise in such a manner as to disillusion:

   She was dismayed to learn of their disloyalty.

3. to alarm; perturb:

   The new law dismayed some of the more conservative politicians.

noun

1. sudden or complete loss of courage; utter disheartenment.

   Synonyms: fear, horror, panic, terror, consternation, disconcert

   Antonyms: confidence

2. sudden disillusionment.
3. agitation of mind; perturbation; alarm.

dismay

/ dɪsˈmeɪ /

verb

1. to fill with apprehension or alarm
2. to fill with depression or discouragement

noun

1. consternation or agitation

Derived Forms

• disˈmaying, adjective

Other Words From

• dis·may·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dismay¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English desmay (noun), de(s)mayen, dismayen (verb), from presumed Anglo-French alteration, by prefix change, of Old French esmaier “to trouble, frighten,” from unattested Vulgar Latin exmagāre “to disable, deprive of strength,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + unattested magāre, from unattested Germanic magan “to be able to”; may ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dismay¹

C13: from Old French desmaiier (unattested), from des- dis- ¹+ esmayer to frighten, ultimately of Germanic origin; see may ¹

Synonym Study

See discourage.

Example Sentences

Serious scientists are understandably dismayed about the damage that Kennedy and Trump could do to the nation’s public health infrastructure — indeed, to public health itself.

From Los Angeles Times

In the case of Wittich, the fact that decision was made just three races before the end of the season and with both championships still unresolved has dismayed many in F1.

From BBC

Madison would have been dismayed by their failure to display branch loyalty.

From Salon

He, for one, was dismayed at last week’s election result.

From BBC

But I’m dismayed that it was such a monumental effort and wonder how many other men committing crimes go unpunished because of the inefficiency, the failures and the delays.

From BBC

Related Words

• agitate
• alarm
• bewilder
• bother
• confound
• daunt
• disconcert
• discourage
• dishearten
• disillusion
• dispirit
• disquiet
• disturb
• dumbfound
• embarrass
• faze
• flummox
• fluster
• frighten
• horrify