How to Pronounce Dismay

To pronounce "dismay", say DISM-ay — 2 syllables, IPA /dɪsˈmeɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

dismay

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/dɪsˈmeɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “dismay”

"dismay" has 2 syllables: dism-ay. It rhymes with convey and display, if that helps it stick.

What does dismay mean?

noun

  1. A sudden or complete loss of courage and firmness in the face of trouble or danger; overwhelming and disabling terror; a sinking of the spirits

    “He looked in dismay at the destruction of the town caused by the hurricane.”

  2. Condition fitted to dismay; ruin.

verb

  1. To cause to feel apprehension; great sadness, or fear; to deprive of energy
  2. To render lifeless; to subdue; to disquiet.

Synonyms

consternationappalldauntterrify

Hear “dismay” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with dismay

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conveydisplaysobriquetdisarrayallaygaydecayplayportraycachefrayarray

Related words

appalldejectdisheartenmentdepressdiscouragementdispiritdemoralizehorrify

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dismay"?▾

"Dismay" has 2 syllables: dism · ay.

What is the IPA transcription of "dismay"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dismay" is /dɪsˈmeɪ/.

What does "dismay" mean?▾

Dismay: A sudden or complete loss of courage and firmness in the face of trouble or danger; overwhelming and disabling terror; a sinking of the spirits

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