displease

verb

dis·​please (ˌ)dis-ˈplēz How to pronounce displease (audio)
displeased; displeasing; displeases

transitive verb

1
: to incur the disapproval or dislike of especially by annoying
their gossip displeases her
2
: to be offensive to
abstract art displeases him

intransitive verb

: to give displeasure
behavior calculated to displease

Examples of displease in a Sentence

her coworkers' tendency to pry displeased her
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, for fear of displeasing its neighbor, South Korea has limited its missile defense program to mostly short-range technology. Robert A. Manning, Foreign Affairs, 3 Oct. 2014 Kissinger was well known for seducing journalists with flattery, access, and scoops, never losing his composure when something in the press displeased him. Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 The state has a large Middle Eastern population, and many voters, especially young ones, have been displeased with the Biden/Harris administration’s handling of the ongoing conflict. Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024 Flowers can at times displease the gods The Puranas also explain which flowers might displease the gods. Robert J. Stephens, The Conversation, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for displease 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English displesen, from Anglo-French despleisir, desplere, from des- dis- + pleisir to please — more at please

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of displease was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near displease

Cite this Entry

“Displease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/displease. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

displease

verb
dis·​please (ˈ)dis-ˈplēz How to pronounce displease (audio)
: to cause to feel disapproval, dislike, or annoyance
was displeased by the delay

More from Merriam-Webster on displease

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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