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Dismay
Definitions
(2)
1
noun
A
feeling
of
distress
or
anxiety
,
often
caused
by
something
unexpected
.
She
looked
at
the
broken
vase
in
dismay
.
The
news
of
the
sudden
storm
filled
him
with
dismay
.
There
was
a
sense
of
dismay
among
the
team
when
they
heard
about
the
changes
.
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Kids' explanation
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2
verb
To
cause
someone
to
feel
distress
or
anxiety
.
The
teacher's
harsh
words
dismayed
the
students
.
The
unexpected
delay
dismayed
the
passengers
.
Her
decision
to
leave
dismayed
her
friends
.
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Kids' explanation
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Word games
Word Origin
Language
Old French
Original word
desmaier
Word parts
des- (away) + maier (to frighten)
Originally meant
to lose courage
Background
The word 'dismay' comes from the Old French 'desmaier', which meant to lose courage or be disheartened. It entered English in the Middle Ages and has retained its sense of causing distress or alarm.