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

The New York Times reported that Senate Republicans’ immediate reaction was “alarm and dismay” and that many avoided expressing support.

From Los Angeles Times

In comments prior to the speech, McDonnell expressed dismay at retailers closing stores in low-income areas, exacerbating food deserts.

From Los Angeles Times

Several board members expressed dismay at the reports of student behavior during the rally, and Supt.

From Los Angeles Times

Others in Congress expressed shock — and dismay — at the news of Gaetz’s nomination.

From Los Angeles Times

Joan was now “Joan Didion,” much to Eve’s dismay.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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