dismay
Translation
consternation, alarm, disappointment
Examples
To my dismay, the shop was closed.
To my dismay, the store was closed.
He looked at her in dismay.
He looked at her in dismay.
Grammar Patterns
to ((sb.'s)) dismay causing someone disappointment or shock To my dismay, the tickets were sold out.
in dismay feeling shocked and disappointed She stared at the mess in dismay.
Similar Words
Synonyms: consternation, alarm, shock; Antonyms: relief, pleasure, joy
Etymology
From Old French 'desmaier' (to trouble), from 'des-' (intensive prefix) + 'maier' (to trouble).
Memory Tips
Think of the phrase 'This may...' end badly, which causes dismay.