dismayed / shocked
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dismayed
Deeply shocked, upset, and saddened because of an unexpected negative event.
Die Mitarbeiter waren bestürzt, als sie von der Schließung der Fabrik erfuhren.
The employees were dismayed when they learned about the closure of the factory.
'Bestürzt' (dismayed) is the past participle form of the verb 'bestürzen' (to shock someone, to deeply upset someone). Today, however, it is mainly used as an adjective to describe a person’s state.
Die Nachricht von dem Unglück hat uns alle tief bestürzt.
The news of the accident deeply dismayed us all.
To state the reason for the dismay, the preposition 'über' (about/over) with the accusative is often used. The structure is: 'bestürzt sein über etwas' (to be dismayed about something).
Sie war bestürzt über das Ausmaß der Zerstörung.
She was dismayed by the extent of the destruction.
'Bestürzt' (dismayed) is often used to describe a reaction or an expression. Typical combinations are 'bestürzt reagieren' (to react with dismay), 'ein bestürztes Gesicht machen' (to look dismayed), or 'ein bestürzter Blick' (a dismayed look).
Mit bestürztem Gesicht las sie den Brief.
She read the letter with a dismayed expression.
horrified
'entsetzt' and 'bestürzt' both describe a strong negative reaction to a bad event. 'entsetzt' often sounds stronger and can express shock, horror, or outrage, especially when something seems very serious or wrong. 'bestürzt' sounds a little calmer and emphasizes being upset or deeply affected. For sad news, 'bestürzt' often sounds natural. For something especially serious or shocking, 'entsetzt' fits better.
Samir ist bestürzt, weil seine Nachbarin plötzlich ausziehen muss.
Samir is deeply upset because his neighbor suddenly has to move out.
Im Gespräch reagiert die Mitarbeiterin entsetzt auf die unfairen Vorwürfe.
During the conversation, the employee reacts with shock to the unfair accusations.