'dismay' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'desmaier,' where 'des-' meant 'away' and 'maier' meant 'to frighten.'

'desmaier' transformed into the Middle English word 'dismaien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'dismay'.

Initially, it meant 'to frighten or alarm,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cause distress or anxiety.'