What does dismay mean?
Dismay is a noun describing a blend of distress, disappointment, and unease that strikes when something unwanted or unexpected happens. It differs from simple sadness in that it usually follows a specific event — a failed exam, a cancelled flight, an unwelcome decision — and it differs from despair in that it is typically a sudden reaction rather than a settled state of hopelessness. Dismay also functions as a verb meaning to fill someone with this feeling, most often in passive constructions such as 'we were dismayed to discover'. Common collocations include 'in dismay', 'with dismay', and 'to one's dismay', all signalling that the emotion has been provoked by identifiable circumstances. The word carries a neutral register, fitting comfortably into both journalism and casual conversation. Its etymology adds interest: it derives from Old French desmaier, rooted in the idea of losing power or courage, so to be dismayed is literally to have one's strength knocked out of you by unwelcome news.
A feeling of unhappiness, disappointment, and worry caused by something unwelcome.
"She could not hide her dismay when the results were announced."
Often used in the phrases 'in dismay', 'with dismay', and 'to one's dismay'.
To cause someone to feel distressed, disappointed, or worried; to disconcert.
"The report dismayed environmental campaigners across the country."
Frequently used in the passive: 'he was dismayed to find...'.
Rarely used in the plural; the noun is almost always uncountable, referring to an abstract emotion rather than countable instances.
Dismay literally means 'to take away your power' — from the Old French 'desmaier', where 'mai' meant strength or ability. To be dismayed is, etymologically, to be disarmed by bad news.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dismay
Dismay entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the thirteenth century, borrowed from the Old French verb desmaier, meaning to deprive of courage or strength. The word combines the negative prefix des- with mai, a Germanic loanword in French related to modern English 'may' in its older sense of power or ability. This gives dismay the striking literal sense of being stripped of one's capacity to act. Cognates include 'maim' and 'mayhem', which descend from the same root notion of damaging or disabling.
Related word forms
How dismay is actually used
Register is neutral — suitable for both formal writing and everyday speech. The verb often appears in passive form ('she was dismayed to learn...'). The noun frequently occurs in the fixed phrases 'in dismay', 'with dismay', and 'to one's dismay', which convey that the feeling arises suddenly in response to specific news or an event.
Easily confused with dismay
Dismay is a sudden reaction to unwelcome news or events, whereas despair is a deeper, more lasting loss of hope.