Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIS-AP-POINT', v.t. [dis and appoint; properly, to unfix or unsettle.]

1. To defeat of expectation, wish, hope, desire or intention; to frustrate; to balk; to hinder from the possession or enjoyment of that which was intended, desired, hoped, or expected. We say, a man is disappointed of his hopes or expectations, or his hopes, desires, intentions or expectations are disappointed. A bad season disappoints the farmer of his crops; a defeat disappoints an enemy of his spoil. The man promised me a visit, but he disappointed me. Without counsel purposes are disappointed. – Prov. xv.
2. To frustrate; to prevent an effect intended. The retiring foe / Shrinks from the wound, and disappoints the blow. – Addison.