Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - dismay

 I. transitive verb  (~ed; ~ing)  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French desmaier, from des- dis- + -maier, from Vulgar Latin *-magare, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German magan to be able — more at may  Date: 13th century  1. to cause to lose courage or resolution (as because of alarm or fear) must not let ourselves be ~ed by the task before us  2. upset, perturb were ~ed by the condition of the building  • ~ingly adverb Synonyms:  ~, appall, horrify, daunt mean to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion. ~ implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something ~ed at the size of the job. appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks I am appalled by your behavior. horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion was horrified by such wanton cruelty. daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber.  II. noun  Date: 14th century  1. sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear  2.  a. sudden disappointment  b. perturbation 1