displease

[ dis-pleez ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·pleased, dis·pleas·ing.

1. to incur the dissatisfaction, dislike, or disapproval of; offend; annoy:

   His reply displeased the judge.

verb (used without object)

, dis·pleased, dis·pleas·ing.

1. to be unpleasant; cause displeasure:

   Bad weather displeases.

displease

/ dɪsˈpliːz /

verb

1. to annoy, offend, or cause displeasure to (someone)

Derived Forms

• disˈpleasing, adjective
• disˈpleasingly, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·pleasing·ly adverb
• dis·pleasing·ness noun
• self-dis·pleased adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of displease¹

1300–50; Middle English desplesen < Anglo-French, Middle French desplaisir. See dis- ¹, please

Example Sentences

Fico himself wields more influence at the summits of EU leaders, where often he can threaten to veto items of business that displease him.

From Seattle Times

The U.S. said it has asked two former officials to go to Taiwan this week for post-election meetings with political leaders, a move that will likely displease China.

From Seattle Times

You definitely don’t want to displease them.

From Seattle Times

“Henry Kissinger walks into a bar. Would it displease you if I walked over and punched Henry Kissinger in the face?”

From Los Angeles Times

This change may displease some, but for those being vigilant about their health and would like more transparency about the food they are eating, it's a welcome change.

From Salon

Related Words

• annoy
• antagonize
• bother
• chagrin
• disappoint
• disgust
• dissatisfy
• enrage
• exasperate
• frustrate
• gall
• incense
• irk
• irritate
• offend
• perplex
• rile
• upset
• vex