This list includes 18 Emotions that start with D, from “Dejection” to “Dread”. Most are negative or introspective, though a few describe milder, neutral states useful for nuance in writing.

Emotions that start with D are feelings whose common labels begin with the letter D, often describing shifts in mood or intensity. For example, “dread” appears across literature as a key term for existential fear.

Below you’ll find the table with Emotion, Type, Definition, and Example.

Emotion: Shows the emotion name you can search or quote, making lookup and quick reference fast.

Type: Labels whether the emotion is positive, negative, or neutral, helping you choose tone and intent.

Definition: Gives a concise one-sentence meaning so you quickly understand the feeling and its typical triggers.

Example: Provides a short example sentence showing how the emotion appears in ordinary speech or writing.

Emotions that start with D

EmotionTypeIntensity (1-10)Example sentence
DelightPositive8I felt pure delight when I opened the surprise gift.
DesireMixed6She felt a sudden desire to travel the world.
DevotionPositive7His devotion to her was clear in every small gesture.
DiscontentNegative4Widespread discontent grew after the policy change.
DisappointmentNegative5He looked at the test results with quiet disappointment.
DisapprovalNegative5Her parents expressed disapproval at the risky decision.
DisgustNegative8The rotten smell filled him with disgust.
DistasteNegative4She watched the scene with obvious distaste.
DismayNegative6She opened the letter with growing dismay.
DisillusionmentNegative6Years of false promises led to deep disillusionment.
DisdainNegative6He met the suggestion with visible disdain.
DejectionNegative5After the loss he sat in quiet dejection.
DespairNegative9After months of searching, she fell into despair.
DesperationNegative8In a moment of desperation he called for help.
DistressNegative7The news left the family in visible distress.
DreadNegative7An icy dread settled over him before the speech.
DisquietNegative5A sense of disquiet spread through the team.
DispleasureNegative4The coach’s frown showed his displeasure.

Descriptions

Delight
A pleasant, often joyful feeling of pleasure or satisfaction, typically in response to good news, surprises, or beauty.
Desire
An urge or longing for a person, object, or outcome that can motivate behavior and mix with other emotions.
Devotion
A warm, committed affection and loyalty toward a person, cause, or activity, blending love and attachment.
Discontent
A feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation, often prompting a wish for change.
Disappointment
The unhappy feeling when expectations or hopes are unmet, usually less intense than grief.
Disapproval
A negative evaluative emotion signaling that something is judged unacceptable, wrong, or objectionable.
Disgust
A strong revulsion or rejection toward something offensive, distasteful, or perceived as contaminating.
Distaste
A mild form of disgust or aversion expressing dislike without intense revulsion.
Dismay
Shock blended with disappointment or concern, typically in response to bad news or setbacks.
Disillusionment
The painful recognition that a belief, person, or ideal is false, producing loss of trust or hope.
Disdain
A contemptuous feeling of scorn and superiority toward someone or something considered unworthy.
Dejection
A low-spirited sadness following failure or loss, less intense than despair but clearly discouraging.
Despair
An overwhelming loss of hope and sense of futility, often intense and incapacitating.
Desperation
An extreme state of urgent distress that can drive risky or impulsive actions seeking relief.
Distress
Acute emotional pain or suffering often linked with anxiety, grief, or urgent problems requiring attention.
Dread
A fearful anticipation or anxiety about a future threat or event, often prolonged and immobilizing.
Disquiet
A low-level anxiety or unease, a nagging feeling that something is wrong or unsettled.
Displeasure
A mild negative reaction of annoyance or dissatisfaction toward an action, event, or situation.
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