dismay
1. dis.may \dis-'ma-, diz-\ \-in-le-\ vt [ME dismayen, fr. (assumed) OF
desmaiier, fr. OF des- + -m]aiier (as in esmaiier to dismay), fr. (assumed)
VL -magare, of Gmc origin : to take away the courage or resolution of with
alarm of power to carry on because of sudden fear or anxiety or great
perplexity; APPALL implies an overwhelming or paralyzing dread or terror or
sense of helplessness before something monstrous or shocking; HORRIFY may
imply a shuddering revulsion from the ghastly or gruesome or hideous but it
is often merely equal to shock; DAUNT suggest a cowing, subduing,
disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage -
dis.may.ing.ly av SYN syn APPALL, HORRIFY, DAUNT: DISMAY implies loss
2. dismay n 1: sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear 2a:
sudden disappointment 2b: PERTURBATION