[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/dismay/)

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# dismay

noun (dismay — uncountable); verb (dismay, dismays, dismayed, dismaying); adjective dismayed

«dismay» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Dismay is a sudden sad, worried feeling when something bad or disappointing happens. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#m1)
2. To dismay someone is to make them feel shocked and upset. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#m2)
3. (formal) To someone's dismay means «and they were upset that». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#m3)

### In the lessons

A feelings word in stories: it tells the reader a character has just had bad news or a nasty surprise, often with a falling heart. In news and formal writing «to the dismay of fans». Phrases: in dismay, to my dismay, filled with dismay, dismayed by.

### Examples

- To my dismay, the ice cream van had gone. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#x1)
- She stared in dismay at the broken vase. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#x2)
- The rain dismayed everyone at the sports day. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#x3)
- He was dismayed to find his homework was missing. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#x4)
- The fans groaned in dismay as the ball hit the post. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#x5)
- Much to our dismay, the trip was cancelled. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#x6)
- The teacher was dismayed by the mess in the classroom. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#x7)
- But I have eaten it!” exclaimed the baker in dismay. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/#x8)

### Note

Dismay is uncountable (no «a dismay»). Dismayed is used with «by», «at» or «to + verb». It is stronger than disappointment but weaker than horror. Not a «dis-» opposite of «may».

## In Jewish tradition

In the Torah, "be not dismayed" is God's comfort to Israel and Joshua, telling them not to lose heart when they enter the land.

**Interpretation.** Moses' words are read as a call to trust in God's presence at the start of the conquest.

### Examples

- And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed.' (Torah DEU.31.8, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/dismay/#x1)
- Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee; go up, take possession, as the LORD, the God of thy fathers, hath spoken unto thee; fear not, neither be dismayed.' (Torah DEU.1.21, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/dismay/#x2)
- In his neck abideth strength, and dismay danceth before him. (Writings JOB.41.14, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/dismay/#x3)
- And they shall be dismayed and ashamed, because of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory. (Prophets ISA.20.5, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/dismay/#x4)
- For through the voice of the LORD shall Asshur be dismayed, the rod with which He smote. (Prophets ISA.30.31, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/dismay/#x5)

### Note

Dismay is uncountable (no «a dismay»). Dismayed is used with «by», «at» or «to + verb». It is stronger than disappointment but weaker than horror. Not a «dis-» opposite of «may».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «dismay» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dismay/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«dismay» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/dismay.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «dismay» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/dismay/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«dismay» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/dismay.html) on Mova free.