dismay

[/dɪsˈmeɪ/]
noun, verb
consternação, desânimo, abalar
1. (noun) A feeling of shock, disappointment, or fear caused by something unexpected or unwelcome
To her dismay, the flight was cancelled.
Para sua consternação, o voo foi cancelado.
2. (verb) To cause someone to feel shock, disappointment, or fear; to disturb or trouble greatly
The news of the accident dismayed everyone.
A notícia do acidente abateu/consternidou a todos.
3. (noun) Loss of courage or confidence; discouragement
Without dismay, he faced his critics.
Sem se desanimar, ele enfrentou seus críticos.
In American English, 'dismay' is frequently used in news reporting and formal contexts to express public shock or disappointment. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'consternação' carries a more formal or dramatic tone, while 'desânimo' emphasizes the loss of motivation. The verb form 'abalar' is widely understood but slightly more colloquial than the noun forms.
NYC Slang
bummer, drag, harsh
Synonyms / Sinônimos
alarmconcerndistressuneaseapprehensiondisappointmentshock
Antonyms / Antônimos
encouragementreassuranceconfidencecomposurecalmdelight

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
consternação, desânimo, abalar
Most commonly used form throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
desgosto, abatimento
Slight preference for 'desgosto' in colloquial speech
São Paulo
consternação, frustração
More formal usage; 'frustração' also used in business contexts
Portugal
consternação, espanto, desalento
Portuguese usage slightly differs; 'espanto' more common for shock

Related Words

dismayeddismayingdishearteneddiscouragedalarmedperturbed

Related Idioms & Phrases

to one's dismay
much to someone's dismay
without dismay
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