Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIS-MAY', v.t. [Sp. desmayar; Port. desmaiar; probably formed by des and the Teutonic magan, to be strong or able. The sense then is to deprive of strength. Sp. desmayarse, to faint; It. smagarsi, to despond.]

To deprive of that strength or firmness of mind which constitutes courage; to discourage; to dishearten; to sink or depress the spirits or resolution; hence, to affright or terrify. Be strong, and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed. – Josh. i.