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dismay definition

dis·may (dis mā′)

transitive verb

to make afraid or discouraged at the prospect of trouble or danger; fill with apprehension or alarm; daunt

Etymology: ME dismayen < Anglo-Fr *desmaier < des-, intens. + OFr esmayer, to deprive of power < VL *exmagare < L ex-, from + Gmc base *mag, power: see main

noun

a loss of courage or confidence at the prospect of trouble or danger; consternation

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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