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dismay

noun

/dɪsˈmeɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dismay

The state of being shocked, disturbed, or disheartened by something unexpected or unpleasant.
"The news of the company's bankruptcy was met with dismay by its employees."

Detailed meaning of dismay

Dismay is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety, worry, or fear. It can be used to describe a wide range of emotions from mild disappointment to utter shock and is often used to express feelings of disappointment, alarm, or dismay in response to a situation, event, or action.

In everyday language, dismay is often used to describe a feeling of disappointment, alarm, or dismay in response to a situation, event, or action. It can be used to express a wide range of emotions from mild disappointment to utter shock.

In a professional or political context, it can also refer to the reaction of a group of people to an event, such as a community's reaction to a natural disaster or a public scandal.

In general, dismay is a noun that refers to a feeling of disappointment, alarm, or dismay. It is the state of being shocked, disturbed, or disheartened by something unexpected or unpleasant. It implies a sense of uneasiness, worry, or fear and can be used in many different contexts such as personal, professional, or societal situations where a feeling of disappointment, alarm, or dismay is felt.

Example sentences containing dismay

1. Her face reflected a look of dismay upon hearing the news.
2. The team's performance filled them with dismay.
3. The teacher's disappointment turned into dismay when she saw the failing grades.
4. He couldn't hide his dismay when he saw the broken vase.
5. The sudden turn of events left him in a state of dismay.
6. The company's financial losses were met with widespread dismay.

History and etymology of dismay

The noun 'dismay' has its roots in Old French, specifically from the word 'desmaier,' which means 'to lose courage' or 'to be dismayed.' This Old French term can be traced back to the Latin word 'exmagare,' which is a combination of 'ex,' meaning 'out,' and 'magnum,' meaning 'great.' In Latin, 'exmagare' implied the loss of one's greatness or courage. Over time, 'dismay' evolved in English to describe the state of being shocked, disturbed, or disheartened by something unexpected or unpleasant, emphasizing the loss of courage or confidence in the face of adversity. The etymology of 'dismay' underscores the idea of losing one's composure or courage in the presence of a significant and often unwelcome challenge or event.

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Further usage examples of dismay

1. The child's behavior at the party caused great dismay among the parents.
2. The failure of the project was a source of dismay for the entire team.
3. The decision to cancel the event was met with public dismay.
4. The team's defeat brought about a sense of dismay among the fans.
5. The announcement of job cuts spread dismay among the employees.
6. The lack of progress in the negotiations was met with growing dismay.
7. The unexpected delay caused frustration and dismay among the passengers.
8. The sudden resignation of the CEO was met with shock and dismay.
9. The decline in sales figures was a cause for great dismay within the company.
10. The sight of the vandalized artwork filled the artist with dismay.
11. The public's dismay over the corruption scandal led to protests.
12. The team's poor communication skills were a source of dismay for the coach.
13. The discovery of the error filled them with dismay and a sense of urgency.
14. The politician's controversial statement was met with widespread dismay from the public.