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Dismay Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dismay

[dɪsˈmeɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A sudden feeling of distress, disappointment, or loss of hope.

Synonyms

despair, disappointment, discouragement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dismay

As mentioned above, it is used to describe a feeling of sudden shock and distress, often due to unexpected events.

  • They watched in dismay as the storm damaged their home.
  • The sudden decision by the management left the employees in dismay.
disappointment

Used when experiencing sadness or displeasure due to unfulfilled expectations or unsatisfactory outcomes. It is generally less intense than despair.

  • She felt disappointment when she didn't get the promotion.
  • The team expressed their disappointment after losing the match.
discouragement

Appropriate for expressing a loss of confidence or enthusiasm, often due to repeated failures or difficulties.

  • He faced discouragement after his business failed.
  • Her constant criticism led to his discouragement.
despair

Best suited for expressing a complete loss or absence of hope. It often refers to deep emotional suffering.

  • After numerous rejections, he fell into despair.
  • She felt a deep sense of despair knowing that her efforts were in vain.

Examples of usage

  • The news of the accident filled her with dismay.
  • He could not hide his dismay at the results of the election.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To cause someone to feel distress, disappointment, or loss of hope.

Synonyms

disturb, unsettle, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dismay

This word is suitable for situations where someone feels sudden disappointment or sadness, often due to an unexpected event.

  • She looked at the broken vase in dismay.
  • The news of the cancelled flight filled them with dismay.
upset

This word is best used when someone feels emotional distress, sadness, or frustration due to a situation or event.

  • She was upset because she missed the last bus.
  • His rude comment really upset her.
disturb

This word is used when someone or something causes a person to feel anxious, worried, or interrupts their peace or routine.

  • The loud music during the night disturbed the neighbors.
  • His strange behavior disturbed everyone at the meeting.
unsettle

Use this word when an event, situation, or information makes someone feel anxious, uncomfortable, or uncertain.

  • The sudden change in management unsettled the employees.
  • The eerie silence in the dark forest can unsettle even the bravest person.

Examples of usage

  • The decision to cancel the event dismayed many attendees.
  • The teacher's harsh criticism dismayed the students.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling dismay can trigger emotional responses like sadness or anxiety, affecting decision-making.
  • It's common for people to experience dismay when facing unexpected changes or losses in life.
  • Understanding and processing dismay can lead to resilience, helping individuals cope with adversity.

Literature

  • Dismay often appears in literature as a turning point for characters, depicting moments of internal conflict.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's tragedies frequently explore themes of dismay among their characters.
  • In modern literature, characters who experience dismay often embark on journeys of self-discovery and growth.

Pop Culture

  • Dismay is a common theme in movies, evident in scenes where characters face unexpected setbacks.
  • Cartoons often portray dismay with exaggerated facial expressions, making it relatable and humorous.
  • In music, many artists write songs about dismay, reflecting personal experiences of disappointment.

Origin of 'dismay'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dismay' comes from the Old French 'desmaier,' which means 'to lose courage.'
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally meaning to 'deprive of courage.'
  • The prefix 'dis-' indicates a negative or opposite force, highlighting the feeling of being cut off from hope.

The word 'dismay' originated from the Old French word 'desmaier', which means 'to lose heart'. It entered the English language in the early 13th century, evolving to its current usage to describe feelings of distress or disappointment.

See also: may, maybe, mayor.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,416, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.