Dis‐may″, n. [Cf. OF. esmai, F. émoi. See Dismay, v. t.] 1. Loss of courage and firmness through fear; overwhelming and disabling terror; a sinking of the spirits; consternation.
I... can not think of such a battle without dismay. Macaulay.
Thou with a tiger spring dost leap upon thy prey,
And tear his helpless breast, o'erwhelmed with wild dismay. Mrs. Barbauld.
2. Condition fitted to dismay; ruin. Spenser.
Syn. — Dejection; discouragement; depression; fear; fright; terror; apprehension; alarm; affright.