dismay
14 synonyms and 0 antonyms for dismay, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong feeling of sudden worry, disappointment, or discouragement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use dismay
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French esmaier, "to frighten," probably from a Vulgar Latin word meaning "to deprive of strength" — ultimately related to the same root as "may" and "main" (as in "with might and main").
Full origin of dismay →Frequently asked questions
What does “dismay” mean?
The word “dismay” means a strong feeling of sudden worry, disappointment, or discouragement. In plain terms, sudden shock combined with disappointment or worry.
How do you pronounce “dismay”?
“Dismay” is pronounced dihs-MAY (/dɪsˈmeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dismay” in a sentence?
Here is “dismay” used in a sentence: “To her dismay, the flight had already been cancelled.”
What part of speech is “dismay”?
Depending on how it is used, “dismay” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “dismay” come from?
The word “dismay” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French esmaier, "to frighten," probably from a Vulgar Latin word meaning "to deprive of strength" — ultimately related to the same root as "may" and "main" (as in "with might and main").
Is “dismay” a common word?
“Dismay” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “dismay” have?
“Dismay” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong feeling of sudden worry, disappointment, or discouragement.