dismaying

dis·may

 (dĭs-mā′)

tr.v. dis·mayed, dis·may·ing, dis·mays

1. To cause to lose enthusiasm or resolution; disillusion or discourage: "young executives dismayed by the corporate ladder" (Peter Grose). See Synonyms at discourage.

2. To upset or distress: "Parents may be dismayed by the mess from sand or paint spread around by the pair or group at play" (Elizabeth Noble).

n.

A sudden or complete loss of courage in the face of trouble or danger.

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[Middle English dismaien, from Anglo-Norman *desmaiier : probably de-, intensive pref.; see de- + Old French esmaier, to frighten (from Vulgar Latin *exmagāre, to deprive of power : Latin ex-, ex- + Germanic *magan, to be able to; see magh- in Indo-European roots).]

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dis·may′ing·ly adv.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

dismaying - causing consternation; "appalling conditions" appalling alarming - frightening because of an awareness of danger

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.