I. dis-ˈmā, diz- transitive verb
( dis·mayed ; dis·may·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French desmaier, from des- dis- + -maier, from Vulgar Latin * -magare, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German magan to be able — more at may
Date: 13th century
1. : to cause to lose courage or resolution (as because of alarm or fear)
must not let ourselves be dismay ed by the task before us
2. : upset , perturb
were dismay ed by the condition of the building
• dis·may·ing·ly -iŋ-lē adverb
Synonyms:
dismay , appall , horrify , daunt mean to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion. dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something
dismayed at the size of the job
appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks
I am appalled by your behavior
horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion
was horrified by such wanton cruelty
daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage
a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear
2.
a. : sudden disappointment
b. : perturbation 1