Dismay (Verb)
Meaning 1
Fill with apprehension or alarm; cause to be unpleasantly surprised; "I was horrified at the thought of being late for my interview"; "The news of the executions horrified us".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- Her parents were dismayed when she told them she was getting a tattoo without their permission.
- The doctor's announcement dismayed the patient and filled him with fear of his diagnosis.
- The group of hikers was dismayed by the rapidly approaching storm clouds and strong winds.
- The amount of damage to her house dismayed her and seemed almost irreparable after the flood.
- Watching the helpless animal trapped in the cage dismayed the visitor to the zoo.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Lower someone's spirits; make downhearted; "These news depressed her"; "The bad state of her child's health demoralizes her".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- Nearing the anniversary of her mother's passing always seemed to dismay her considerably.
- His impending layoff would surely dismay the rest of the team.
- The diagnosis of her illness began to dismay her previously optimistic outlook.
- The devastating loss of their family home dismayed the large family.
- The news of his company's bankruptcy dismayed the stockholders, who stood to lose millions.