— dismayedness /dis mayd"nis, -may"id-/ , n. — dismayingly , adv.
/dis may"/ , v.t.
1. to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt: The surprise attack dismayed the enemy.
2. to surprise in such a manner as to disillusion: She was dismayed to learn of their disloyalty.
3. to alarm; perturb: The new law dismayed some of the more conservative politicians.
n.
4. sudden or complete loss of courage; utter disheartenment.
5. sudden disillusionment.
6. agitation of mind; perturbation; alarm.
[ 1275-1325; ME desmay (n.), de ( s ) mayen, dismayen (v.)
esmaier to trouble, frighten exmagare to disable, deprive of strength, equiv. to ex- EX- + * magare magan to be able to; see MAY 1 ]
Syn. 1. appall, terrify, frighten, scare, intimidate, disconcert. See discourage. 4. consternation, terror, panic, horror, fear.
Ant. 1. hearten. 4. confidence.