dismay

[ dis-mey ]
/ dɪsˈmeɪ /
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verb (used with object)

to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt: The surprise attack dismayed the enemy.
to surprise in such a manner as to disillusion: She was dismayed to learn of their disloyalty.
to alarm; perturb: The new law dismayed some of the more conservative politicians.

noun

sudden or complete loss of courage; utter disheartenment.
sudden disillusionment.
agitation of mind; perturbation; alarm.

Origin of dismay

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-1 + *magāre < Germanic *magan to be able to; see may1

SYNONYMS FOR dismay

1 appall, terrify, frighten, scare, intimidate, disconcert. See discourage.
4 consternation, terror, panic, horror, fear.
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OTHER WORDS FROM dismay

dis·mayed·ness [dis-meyd-nis, -mey-id-] /dɪsˈmeɪd nɪs, -ˈmeɪ ɪd-/, noun dis·may·ing·ly, adverb un·dis·mayed, adjective

Words nearby dismay

dismal, dismal science, dismal swamp, dismantle, dismast, dismay, disme, dismember, dismiss, dismissal, dismissive

Words related to undismayed

fearless, indomitable, steadfast, undeterred, gallant, noble, intrepid, vigorous, strong-willed, gutsy, plucky, stout, courageous, heroic, foolhardy, daring, confident, spunky, audacious, adventurous

Example sentences from the Web for undismayed

British Dictionary definitions for undismayed

dismay
/ (dɪsˈmeɪ) /

verb (tr)

to fill with apprehension or alarm
to fill with depression or discouragement

noun

consternation or agitation

Derived forms of dismay

dismaying, adjective

Word Origin for dismay

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