displease

verb

dis·​please (ˌ)dis-ˈplēz 

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

Synonyms

• disaffect
• discontent
• disgruntle
• dissatisfy

Examples of displease in a Sentence

her coworkers' tendency to pry displeased her

Recent Examples on the Web

The move displeased Russia and frustrated global allies of President-elect Trump, who has a history of being somewhat critical toward Ukraine. —Tara Suter, The Hill, 28 Nov. 2024

Butler closed 6 of 12 from the field and 11 of 13 from the line, displeased with the lack of a complete team effort. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024

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

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

Kids Definition

displease

verb

dis·​please (ˈ)dis-ˈplēz 

: to cause to feel disapproval, dislike, or annoyance

was displeased by the delay