dismayed

UK: dɪsˈmeɪd | US: dɪsˈmeɪd

Definition
  1. adj. feeling sudden disappointment, distress, or alarm

  2. vt. to cause someone to lose courage or confidence; to unsettle

Structure
dis <negative prefix>may <Old English for "ability/power">ed <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "dismayed" originates from the Old French desmaier (to lose strength), combining the negative prefix dis- (away, apart) with the Germanic root mag- (power, ability). Over time, may in Middle English evolved to imply capability or permission, while dismay came to signify the loss of that power—hence the modern sense of being discouraged or alarmed. The -ed suffix forms the past participle, describing the state of being affected by dismay.

Examples
  1. She was dismayed by the sudden change in plans.

  2. The team's poor performance dismayed their coach.

  3. He hid his dismay behind a polite smile.

  4. The news of the accident dismayed the entire community.

  5. They were dismayed to find the store closed.