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. [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 the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] dis·maying·ly adv. |
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