die Bestürzung
dismay
A state of shock, speechlessness, and concern triggered by a sudden negative event.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht von dem Unfall löste bei allen große Bestürzung aus.
The news of the accident caused great dismay among everyone.
die Bestürzung
dismay
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Bestürzung' (dismay) comes from the verb 'bestürzen' (to shock). This is derived from 'stürzen' (to fall/crash). The idea is that a negative event emotionally 'knocks someone over' or throws them to the ground.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht von der Schließung des Werks bestürzte die Mitarbeiter.
The news of the plant's closure shocked the employees.
Typical collocations
'Bestürzung' (dismay) is often used with certain verbs. An event can 'Bestürzung auslösen' (cause dismay), you can 'seine Bestürzung ausdrücken' (express your dismay), or 'mit Bestürzung auf etwas reagieren' (react to something with dismay).
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker drückte seine tiefe Bestürzung über die Ereignisse aus.
The politician expressed his deep dismay over the events.
Use with preposition
To state the reason for the dismay, the preposition 'über' (about/over) with the accusative is usually used.
EXAMPLE
Es herrschte große Bestürzung über den Ausgang der Wahl.
There was great dismay over the outcome of the election.
Register
The word 'Bestürzung' (dismay) belongs more to formal or written language. It is often found in news reports or official statements.
EXAMPLE
In einer ersten Stellungnahme zeigte sich die Regierung bestürzt.
In an initial statement, the government said it was shocked.
Compare with
Bestürzung vs Horror
horror
When referring to disturbing news, „Horror“ describes especially intense dread, fear, or disgust. „Bestürzung“ combines shock and speechlessness with concern about a sudden negative event. „Horror“ fits intense fright, while „Bestürzung“ describes a shaken and concerned reaction.
Bestürzung
Die Nachricht über den plötzlichen Unfall löste bei den Bewohnern Bestürzung aus.
The news of the sudden accident filled the residents with dismay.
Horror
Die Nachricht über die grausame Tat löste bei den Bewohnern Horror aus.
The news of the gruesome crime filled the residents with horror.
In real life
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