dismay
Use Dismay in a sentence
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.
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
4.
sudden or complete loss of courage; utter disheartenment.
5.
sudden disillusionment.
6.
agitation of mind; perturbation; alarm.
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Dismay
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is skedaddle. Does it mean:
| to flee; abscond: |
| to run away hurriedly; flee. |
Origin:
1275–1325; Middle English desmay (noun), de(s)mayen, dismayen (v.) < presumed AF alteration, by prefix change, of Old French esmaier to trouble, frighten < Vulgar Latin *exmagāre to disable, deprive of strength, equivalent to ex- ex- + *magāre < Germanic *magan to be able to; see may1
1275–1325; Middle English desmay (noun), de(s)mayen, dismayen (v.) < presumed AF alteration, by prefix change, of Old French esmaier to trouble, frighten < Vulgar Latin *exmagāre to disable, deprive of strength, equivalent to ex- ex- + *magāre < Germanic *magan to be able to; see may1
Related forms
nɪs dis·may·ing·ly, adverb
un·dis·mayed, adjective
Synonyms
1. appall, terrify, frighten, scare, intimidate, disconcert. See discourage. 4. consternation, terror, panic, horror, fear.
1. appall, terrify, frighten, scare, intimidate, disconcert. See discourage. 4. consternation, terror, panic, horror, fear.
Antonyms
1. hearten. 4. confidence.
1. hearten. 4. confidence.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To dismay
Collins
World English Dictionary
dismay (dɪsˈmeɪ) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to fill with apprehension or alarm |
| 2. | to fill with depression or discouragement |
| —n | |
| 3. | consternation or agitation |
| [C13: from Old French desmaiier (unattested), from des- | |
| dis'maying | |
| —adj | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
dismay
c.1300, from O.Fr. *desmaier, from L. de- intensive prefix + O.Fr. esmaier "to trouble, disturb," from V.L. *exmagare "divest of power or ability," from P.Gmc. stem *mag- "power, ability" (cf. O.H.G. magen "to be powerful or able;" see may (v.)). Related: Dismayed.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
The external design has stayed the same, to the dismay of those who think it's silly.
The first effect was to baffle and dismay the financial markets.
My dismay is so great, I can't put it into words.
To his dismay, television reporters and cameramen were milling on the steps and the sidewalk.
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