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View synonyms for

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: , , , ,

    Antonyms:

  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: , , , , ,

    Antonyms:

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

dismay

/ ɪˈɪ /

verb

  1. to fill with apprehension or alarm
  2. to fill with depression or discouragement
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. consternation or agitation
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • 徱ˈ⾱Բ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • 徱··Բ· adverb
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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 “to disable, deprive of strength,” equivalent to ex- ex- 1 + unattested , from unattested Germanic magan “to be able to”; may 1
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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
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

At 48, Miller had floundered and bumbled through a 20-year career, to the dismay of his superiors, who could not muster the will to fire him.

From

After voicing her dismay, Wood said in later Instagram stories on Sunday “I’ve had apologies from ‘SNL’” and further explained why she took issue with the sketch.

From

Climate experts expressed shock and dismay about the apparent decision to stop collecting most information on our country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

From

Welby caused further controversy in December 2024 when he was accused of making light of the Church's abuse crisis during a House of Lords speech, comments victims said left them "dismayed" and "disgusted".

From

Like many, Ms Weber – who grew up hearing stories of blood, sweat and tears – is dismayed at the news.

From

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