noun / verb
dismay
dis-MAY/dɪsˈmeɪ/
Distress at something troubling or unexpected, or the causing of that feeling.
The woman stares in dismay at the celebration cake fallen on the floor.
Etymology
Dismay may combine dis-, probably intensifying, with a verb meaning “to trouble or disturb.” Its early sense of sudden loss of courage connects that disturbance with distress caused by frightening or disappointing events.
In context
Therefore I ran frantically from end to end, peering into each carriage, but, to my dismay, the men I sought were not there!
More examples
- To our dismay, the repair costs more than the car.
- The team's lack of preparation dismays the coach.
- We were dismayed to learn that the clinic was closing.
Forms
dismay · dismays · dismayed · dismaying
Similar words
- distress
- Broader emotional suffering, without necessarily involving surprise or discouragement.
- alarm
- Emphasizes fear of danger rather than disappointment or discouragement.
- consternation
- Emphasizes bewilderment and agitation after something unexpected happens.