Antonyms for dismay


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : dis-mey
Phonetic Transcription : dɪsˈmeɪ


Definition of dismay

Origin :
  • late 13c., dismaien, from Old French *desmaier (attested only in past participle dismaye), from Latin de- intensive prefix + Old French esmaier "to trouble, disturb," from Vulgar Latin *exmagare "divest of power or ability" (source of Italian smagare "to weaken, dismay, discourage"), from ex- (see ex-) + Germanic stem *mag- "power, ability" (cf. Old High German magen "to be powerful or able;" see may (v.)). Spanish desmayer "to be dispirited" is a loan word from Old French. Related: Dismayed; dismaying.
  • noun disappointed feeling; distress
  • verb disappoint, fill with consternation
Example sentences :
  • The other canon shook his head in dismay at such arrant folly.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • They are barren, till the imagination has tenanted them with possibilities of danger and dismay.
  • Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson
  • Harriett had a little shock of dismay and resentment, hating change.
  • Extract from : « Life and Death of Harriett Frean » by May Sinclair
  • Sidney examined with some dismay the elaborate negligee garments in her hand.
  • Extract from : « K » by Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • He took chances and got away with them, laughing at the girl's gasps of dismay.
  • Extract from : « K » by Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • Dismay at the relief this gave her brought the dimples into her cheeks.
  • Extract from : « Dust » by Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman-Julius
  • Nothing could equal his astonishment and dismay when he was told the news.
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 4 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • Then why this feeling of dismay when he wanted to be only glad?
  • Extract from : « Dust » by Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman-Julius
  • The dismay and the scorn of Mr Verloc found vent in an attempt at levity.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • The dismay of the thwarted pickpockets may be better imagined than described.
  • Extract from : « In the Heart of Vosges » by Matilda Betham-Edwards

Synonyms for dismay

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019