Dismayed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dismayed
[dɪsˈmeɪd ]
Definitions
feeling
feeling of being worried, disappointed, or upset because of something bad that has happened
Synonyms
discouraged, disheartened, unsettled.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dismayed |
This word is suitable for describing a strong feeling of disappointment or shock when something unexpected happens.
|
| disheartened |
This word is appropriate when expressing a loss of hope or motivation, usually after facing a setback. It has a slightly stronger connotation than 'discouraged'.
|
| discouraged |
Use this word when someone loses confidence or enthusiasm, often because of repeated failures or difficulties.
|
| unsettled |
This word is best used to describe someone who feels anxious, disturbed, or uneasy, often due to uncertainty or changes.
|
Examples of usage
- I was dismayed by the news of the company's bankruptcy.
- She felt dismayed when she realized she had missed the deadline.
- The team was dismayed by their defeat in the final match.
action
to cause someone to feel worried, disappointed, or upset
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dismayed |
Use this word when someone is feeling a mix of disappointment and sadness due to an unexpected event or outcome.
|
| distress |
This word is used when someone is experiencing severe anxiety, pain, or sorrow. It indicates a serious level of mental or emotional suffering.
|
| trouble |
Use this word when describing something that causes worry or concern, often over a situation that seems problematic or challenging.
|
| perturb |
This word is appropriate when something makes someone feel anxious or unsettled. Usually, it is less intense than 'distress'.
|
Examples of usage
- The sudden change in plans dismayed everyone.
- His rude behavior dismayed his colleagues.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- This word appears frequently in literature, such as in Shakespeare's works, to denote characters experiencing fear or disappointment.
- In modern novels, characters often feel dismayed to showcase emotional depth, especially during plot twists.
- Poets may use 'dismayed' to evoke feelings of despair and helplessness, adding to the emotional weight of their verses.
Psychology
- Feeling dismayed can trigger reactions akin to stress, affecting both mental state and physical health.
- This emotional response can lead to a temporary paralysis in decision-making due to overwhelming feelings of disappointment.
- Cognitive-behavioral strategies often encourage individuals to recognize feelings of dismay and reframe their thinking towards more positive outcomes.
Pop Culture
- Films and TV shows often depict characters as dismayed to highlight pivotal moments of change or loss.
- Musicians express feelings of dismay in their lyrics, resonating with audiences who relate to experiences of sadness.
- In memes, a dismayed expression can portray humor, exaggerating the gap between expectations and reality.
Historical Context
- In historical documents, dismay was often used to describe the emotional state of people during turmoil, such as wars or political changes.
- The Great Depression era saw widespread feelings of dismay, influencing literature and art during that time.
- Historical speeches often address dismay to connect with audiences feeling uncertain or troubled by current events.
Origin of 'dismayed'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'dismayed' comes from the Old English 'dismaian,' meaning to disturb or to frighten.
- It originally described the state of being made disheartened or frightened by something unexpected.
- The prefix 'dis-' in 'dismayed' implies removal or negation, which gives it an additional sense of loss.
The word 'dismayed' originated from the Old French word 'desmaier' which means 'to dismay'. It entered the English language in the late 13th century. The prefix 'dis-' indicates negation or reversal, while 'may' comes from the Old French 'maier' meaning 'to may' or 'to have power'. Therefore, 'dismayed' suggests a reversal of power or the feeling of powerlessness.
See also: dismaying.