Word Explorer
Children's
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

dis·may

dismay

 
 
pronunciation:
dihs meI
parts of speech:
transitive verb, noun
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: dismays, dismaying, dismayed
definition 1: to trouble or disillusion.
Her disloyalty dismayed her friends.
synonyms:
disillusion, distress, disturb, perturb, trouble, upset, worry
antonyms:
delight, please
similar words:
agitate, disconcert, ruffle
definition 2: to frighten or discourage; daunt.
It is a huge task, but please don't be dismayed by it.
synonyms:
appall, daunt, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, frighten, intimidate
antonyms:
encourage
similar words:
alarm, cow, deter, inhibit, panic, scare, shock, terrify, unnerve
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: alarm, confusion, or mental distress.
We listened with dismay to the frightening news from the battle front.
synonyms:
alarm, anxiety, consternation, distress
antonyms:
pleasure
similar words:
apprehension, concern, confusion, dread, fear, horror, panic, terror, trepidation
definition 2: sudden or total loss of courage or confidence.
When he saw the other competitors, he felt utter dismay.
synonyms:
disappointment, discouragement
antonyms:
relief
similar words:
disillusionment
derivation: dismayed (adj.)