Dismay Definition

dĭs-mā

dismayed, dismaying, dismays

verb

dismayed, dismaying, dismays

To make apprehensive or discouraged, as by a problem or troublesome prospect.

Webster's New World

To cause to lose enthusiasm or resolution; disillusion or discourage.

American Heritage

To upset or distress.

American Heritage

To disable with alarm or apprehensions; to depress the spirits or courage of; to deprive of firmness and energy through fear; to daunt; to appall; to terrify.

Wiktionary

To render lifeless; to subdue; to disquiet.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
assure
make happy
encourage

noun

dismays

A feeling of discouragement or consternation, as at the prospect of trouble.

Webster's New World

A sudden or complete loss of courage in the face of trouble or danger.

American Heritage

Condition fitted to dismay; ruin.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Origin of Dismay

From Middle English dismayen, from Anglo-Norman *desmaiier, alteration of Old French esmaier (“to frighten”), from Vulgar Latin *exmagare (“to deprive (someone) of strength, to disable”), from ex- + *magare (“to enable, empower”), from Proto-Germanic *maginą, *maganą (“might, power”), from Proto-Indo-European *mēgh- (“to be able”). Akin to Old High German magan, megin (“power, might, main”), Old English mæġen (“might, main”), Old High German magan, mugan (“to be powerful, able”), Old English magan (“to be able”). More at main, may.

From Wiktionary
Middle English dismaien from Anglo-Norman desmaiier probably de- intensive pref. de– Old French esmaier to frighten (from Vulgar Latin exmagāre to deprive of power) (Latin ex- ex-) (Germanic magan to be able to magh- in Indo-European roots)

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition