Discover a complete list of 68 emotions that start with the letter D, covering a wide range of human feelings from “Damned” to “Dysphoric.” These emotions include common states like disappointment and delight, as well as less familiar ones such as dolorous and discombobulated. Many of these emotions reveal subtle differences in how we experience sadness, joy, fear, and other core feelings, showing the rich spectrum of human emotional expression.
Explore this detailed table to better understand each emotion that starts with D.
Type This column shows the category or kind of emotion, such as positive, negative, neutral, or reactive. It helps you quickly grasp whether the feeling is generally pleasant, unpleasant, or somewhere in between.
Definition Here you find a clear, simple explanation of what the emotion means. This description helps clarify how the feeling is experienced or what it represents.
Example usage This section gives a short, everyday sentence showing how the emotion might be used or felt. It makes the emotion easier to understand by placing it in real-world contexts.
Descripción This part provides a brief, deeper explanation in Spanish about the emotion’s nuances and typical situations. It adds extra insight for Spanish-speaking readers or those interested in a more detailed view.
Emotions that start with D
| Emotions | Type | Definition | Example usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damned | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling condemned or doomed, often with a sense of hopelessness or misfortune. | He felt utterly damned after making such a grave error. |
| Daunted | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling intimidated or discouraged, losing courage. | She felt daunted by the sheer size of the task ahead. |
| Dazzled | Positive Emotion/State | Feeling overwhelmed by brightness, beauty, or brilliance; greatly impressed. | The audience was dazzled by the performer’s incredible talent. |
| Deadened | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling emotionally numb or dulled, lacking sensation or responsiveness. | Years of hardship had deadened her emotional responses. |
| Defeated | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling vanquished, overcome, or disheartened by failure. | After losing the championship, the team felt completely defeated. |
| Defensive | Reactive Emotion/State | Feeling protective of oneself, often in response to criticism or perceived threat. | He became defensive when questioned about his mistakes. |
| Defiant | Reactive Emotion/State | Feeling resistant or disobedient, openly refusing to comply. | Despite the threats, she remained defiant. |
| Degraded | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling humiliated, diminished in dignity, or treated without respect. | He felt degraded by the public humiliation. |
| Dejected | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling sad and disheartened, low in spirits. | She was dejected after receiving the rejection letter. |
| Delighted | Positive Emotion/State | Feeling great pleasure or joy. | She was absolutely delighted to receive the good news. |
| Demoralized | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling dispirited and lacking in confidence or hope. | The team became demoralized after a string of losses. |
| Depressed | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling prolonged sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure. | He felt depressed after the breakup, struggling to find joy. |
| Deprived | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling lacking something essential or desirable, causing distress. | She felt deprived of affection during her childhood. |
| Derisive | Negative Emotion/State | Expressing contempt or ridicule; mocking. | He gave a derisive laugh at her suggestion. |
| Desirous | Positive/Neutral Emotion/State | Feeling a strong wish or longing for something. | He was desirous of a quiet life away from the city. |
| Desolate | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling lonely, sad, and deserted; forlorn. | She felt utterly desolate after everyone left. |
| Despair | Negative Emotion/State | The complete loss or absence of hope. | Faced with impossible odds, he sank into despair. |
| Desperate | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling a sense of urgency and hopelessness, leading to rash actions. | In a desperate attempt to escape, he tried to pick the lock. |
| Despondent | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling profound discouragement and loss of hope or courage. | She became despondent after failing the exam repeatedly. |
| Detached | Neutral/Negative Emotion/State | Feeling emotionally distant, aloof, or disengaged. | He remained detached from the emotional drama unfolding around him. |
| Detestation | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling intense dislike or hatred; abhorrence. | Her detestation for injustice was well known. |
| Devastated | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling overwhelmingly shocked, distressed, or grief-stricken. | She was devastated by the news of her friend’s passing. |
| Devoted | Positive Emotion/State | Feeling strongly loyal, committed, and affectionate towards someone or something. | She was a devoted fan of the band. |
| Diffident | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling shy, lacking self-confidence, or timid. | He was diffident about speaking in public. |
| Disaffected | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling discontented and rebellious, especially against authority or a system. | The disaffected youth began to protest the government policies. |
| Disappointed | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling sadness or displeasure caused by the failure of one’s hopes or expectations. | She was disappointed by the low test score. |
| Disapproving | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling or showing a negative opinion; expressing censure. | Her mother gave her a disapproving look. |
| Disbelieving | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling unable or unwilling to believe something; skeptical. | He listened with a disbelieving expression. |
| Discombobulated | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling confused, perplexed, or disoriented. | The sudden change in plans left him feeling completely discombobulated. |
| Discomforted | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling uneasy, embarrassed, or slightly disturbed. | He was discomforted by the awkward silence. |
| Disconcerted | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling disturbed, unsettled, or perplexed. | The strange turn of events left her feeling disconcerted. |
| Discontented | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling dissatisfied, especially with one’s circumstances. | He became discontented with his monotonous job. |
| Discouraged | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispirited. | She felt discouraged after several failed attempts. |
| Disdainful | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling or showing contempt or lack of respect. | He gave a disdainful wave, dismissing the suggestion. |
| Disenchanted | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling disappointed by something previously admired or believed; disillusioned. | She became disenchanted with politics after years of broken promises. |
| Disgruntled | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling angry or dissatisfied. | The disgruntled employees threatened to strike. |
| Disgusted | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling a strong aversion, revulsion, or extreme displeasure. | She was disgusted by the lack of hygiene. |
| Disheartened | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling a loss of hope or courage; dispirited. | The continuous rejections left him disheartened. |
| Disillusioned | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling disappointed or saddened by the realization that something is not as good as one believed. | He became disillusioned with the political system. |
| Dislike | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling a mild aversion or preference against something. | She had a strong dislike for dishonest people. |
| Dismal | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling gloomy, dreary, or profoundly sad. | The dismal weather matched his mood. |
| Dismayed | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling distress, consternation, or profound disappointment. | She was dismayed by the sudden turn of events. |
| Disparaging | Negative Emotion/State | Expressing the belief that something is of little worth; belittling. | He made disparaging remarks about her efforts. |
| Dispirited | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling a loss of enthusiasm or hope; disheartened. | The repeated failures left him dispirited. |
| Displeased | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling annoyed or dissatisfied; not pleased. | The manager was displeased with the team’s performance. |
| Disquieted | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling worried or uneasy; anxious. | The strange silence in the house left her disquieted. |
| Disregarded | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling ignored, neglected, or treated as unimportant. | She felt completely disregarded during the meeting. |
| Disrespected | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling a lack of proper regard or honor; treated rudely or contemptuously. | He felt disrespected by the casual dismissal of his ideas. |
| Dissatisfied | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling unhappy because something is not as good as one expected or desired. | He was dissatisfied with the quality of the product. |
| Distraught | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling deeply upset and agitated. | She was distraught after losing her pet. |
| Distressed | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. | The news of the accident left her deeply distressed. |
| Distrustful | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling suspicious or lacking confidence in someone or something. | He became distrustful of promises after repeated disappointments. |
| Disturbed | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling uneasy, agitated, or mentally or emotionally troubled. | The strange noises disturbed her sleep. |
| Doleful | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling mournful, sorrowful, or expressing grief. | The dog looked at him with doleful eyes. |
| Dolorous | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling or expressing great sorrow or distress. | The dolorous cries filled the air. |
| Dominated | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling controlled, overpowered, or completely subject to another’s influence. | She felt completely dominated by her older siblings. |
| Doomed | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling destined for a terrible fate; condemned. | He felt doomed after receiving the bad diagnosis. |
| Doubtful | Negative/Neutral Emotion/State | Feeling uncertain or suspicious; lacking conviction. | She was doubtful about his ability to finish the project. |
| Dour | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling relentlessly severe, gloomy, or sullen in mood. | His dour expression rarely changed. |
| Down | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling sad, low in spirits, or unhappy. | She felt a bit down after the bad news. |
| Downcast | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling disheartened, dejected, or low in spirits; with eyes directed downwards. | She looked downcast after the rejection. |
| Downhearted | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling discouraged and low in spirits; disheartened. | He was downhearted after his team lost the game. |
| Dread | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling great fear or apprehension. | He felt a sense of dread as he approached the dark house. |
| Dreary | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling dull, bleak, or depressing. | The rainy, dreary day matched her mood. |
| Dubious | Negative/Neutral Emotion/State | Feeling hesitant or doubtful; not to be relied upon. | She felt dubious about the sincerity of his apology. |
| Dull | Negative Emotion/State | Feeling bored, lacking excitement or interest, or mentally slow. | She found the lecture incredibly dull. |
| Dumbfounded | Negative/Neutral Emotion/State | Feeling greatly astonished or amazed; speechless with surprise. | He was dumbfounded by the unexpected revelation. |
| Dysphoric | Negative Emotion/State (Clinical) | Feeling a state of profound uneasiness or dissatisfaction; general unhappiness. | Patients experiencing dysphoric mood often describe a general sense of being unwell. |
Descriptions
Damned
Damned describes a profound feeling of being condemned or fated to a negative outcome. It often carries a weight of despair, as if one is eternally cursed or irrevocably lost. This intense emotional state can arise from severe guilt or a sense of irreversible failure.
Daunted
To feel daunted means to be overwhelmed by the prospect of something difficult or challenging, leading to a loss of courage or confidence. This emotion can make one hesitant to begin or continue, as the task appears too formidable to overcome.
Dazzled
Dazzled describes being so impressed or overwhelmed by something, often brilliant or beautiful, that it takes your breath away. It’s a feeling of awe and admiration, where one might be temporarily stunned by extraordinary quality or splendor.
Deadened
To feel deadened signifies a state of emotional numbness, where one’s feelings or responsiveness have been dulled or suppressed. It’s a detachment from intense emotions, often a protective mechanism after prolonged stress or trauma, leading to a sense of apathy.
Defeated
Defeated is the profound sense of loss and powerlessness that follows a significant setback or failure. It embodies the feeling of being overcome, leading to resignation and a loss of will to continue, characteristic of a profound disappointment.
Defensive
To feel defensive means reacting to perceived criticism or threat by guarding oneself, often with an attitude of self-protection. This emotion manifests as an urge to justify actions or beliefs, typically escalating when one feels cornered or unjustly accused.
Defiant
Defiant describes a bold and unyielding refusal to obey or comply, especially when faced with authority or opposition. It’s an assertive state of resistance, signaling a strong will not to be controlled or intimidated, standing firm in one’s convictions.
Degraded
To feel degraded is to experience a deep sense of humiliation and a loss of dignity, often resulting from being treated disrespectfully or reduced in status. This powerful negative emotion can severely impact one’s self-esteem and sense of worth.
Dejected
Dejected describes a state of profound sadness and low spirits, often following disappointment or failure. It conveys a sense of hopelessness and discouragement, leaving one feeling downcast and without enthusiasm for future endeavors.
Delighted
Delighted expresses intense pleasure and joy, a feeling of pure happiness and satisfaction. It’s a positive emotional response to something very pleasing, often accompanied by a sense of contentment and enthusiasm for the present moment.
Demoralized
To feel demoralized means to be deprived of spirit, courage, or discipline, leading to a loss of confidence and hope. This state can make individuals or groups feel incapable of succeeding, weakening their resolve in the face of challenges.
Depressed
Depressed describes a persistent state of profound sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities previously enjoyed. It’s more than fleeting sadness, often impacting daily functioning and requiring support to navigate its debilitating effects on mood and energy.
Deprived
To feel deprived is to experience a sense of distress or injustice due to the lack of something essential or desired, like resources, opportunities, or emotional support. This emotion highlights a perceived deficit, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction or longing.
Derisive
Derisive describes an emotion characterized by mockery and contempt, often expressed through scornful laughter or sarcastic remarks. It conveys a dismissive attitude, aiming to belittle or show profound disrespect for another’s ideas, efforts, or presence.
Desirous
Desirous means having a strong desire or longing for something, indicating a keen wish or aspiration. This emotion can drive ambition and motivation, as individuals strive to attain what they deeply crave, whether it’s an object, experience, or state of being.
Desolate
To feel desolate is to experience a profound sense of loneliness, sadness, and abandonment, as if in a barren and empty place. It conveys a deep feeling of isolation, often accompanied by a sense of hopelessness and overwhelming sorrow.
Despair
Despair is the overwhelming feeling of utter hopelessness, where one believes that all is lost and there is no solution or possibility of improvement. It’s a crushing emotion that paralyzes action and extinguishes all optimism, leaving one feeling completely helpless.
Desperate
Desperate describes a feeling of extreme urgency and hopelessness, often leading to frantic or risky actions. It stems from a profound need or desire, compelling individuals to act impulsively in a desperate attempt to resolve a dire situation.
Despondent
Despondent signifies a deep state of discouragement and loss of hope, often after a series of setbacks. It’s a feeling of profound dejection that saps one’s spirit and belief in a positive outcome, leaving one feeling utterly disheartened.
Detached
Detached describes a state of emotional separation or aloofness, where one feels distant and uninvested in people or events. It can be a coping mechanism, allowing a person to observe situations without emotional involvement, though it can also signify indifference.
Detestation
Detestation is a powerful emotion signifying intense dislike, hatred, or abhorrence for someone or something. It represents a profound revulsion, often accompanied by a strong desire to avoid or oppose the object of one’s loathing, indicating deep disapproval.
Devastated
To feel devastated is to be emotionally crushed or overwhelmed by shock, grief, or immense disappointment. It describes a profound state of emotional ruin, where one feels completely broken or destroyed by a tragic event or profound loss.
Devoted
Devoted describes a strong, unwavering loyalty and affection towards someone or something. It implies deep commitment and dedication, often characterized by passionate support and a willingness to prioritize the object of one’s devotion above all else.
Diffident
Diffident means feeling shy and lacking self-confidence, often due to a fear of appearing foolish or inadequate. This emotion can manifest as timidity or hesitancy, causing individuals to hold back or avoid situations where they might be judged.
Disaffected
To feel disaffected is to be alienated and discontented, especially towards an established authority, institution, or system. This emotion often stems from a sense of injustice or betrayal, leading to a loss of loyalty and a growing inclination towards rebellion.
Disappointed
Disappointed describes the sadness or displeasure experienced when expectations are not met. It’s a common human emotion reflecting the gap between what was hoped for and what actually occurred, often leading to a sense of letdown and regret.
Disapproving
Disapproving signifies a feeling of not agreeing with something, often expressed through words or demeanor. It conveys a negative judgment or a lack of favor towards an action, idea, or behavior, indicating a moral or personal objection.
Disbelieving
Disbelieving refers to a state of skepticism or an inability to accept something as true, often due to surprise or a perceived lack of credibility. It’s a reaction to information that challenges one’s understanding or seems too improbable to be real.
Discombobulated
To feel discombobulated means to be utterly confused, perplexed, or thrown off balance. It’s a state of mental disarray, where one feels flustered and unable to think clearly, often due to unexpected events or an overwhelming situation.
Discomforted
To feel discomforted is to experience a mild sense of unease, embarrassment, or slight disturbance. It’s less severe than distress but still creates an unwelcome feeling, often arising from social awkwardness, physical inconvenience, or subtle anxieties.
Disconcerted
Disconcerted describes a feeling of being unsettled, disturbed, or perplexed, often by something unexpected that disrupts one’s composure. It implies a loss of mental or emotional equilibrium, leaving one feeling uneasy and slightly confused.
Discontented
To feel discontented is to experience dissatisfaction, particularly with one’s current circumstances, surroundings, or personal situation. It’s a state of restless unhappiness, often leading to a desire for change or improvement, rather than acceptance.
Discouraged
Discouraged means feeling a loss of confidence or enthusiasm, often due to encountering difficulties or setbacks. It’s a dispiriting emotion that can make one hesitant to continue, as the path forward seems too challenging or hopeless.
Disdainful
Disdainful describes an emotion characterized by a feeling of contempt or lack of respect for someone or something considered unworthy. It implies looking down upon others, often accompanied by a sense of superiority and dismissiveness.
Disenchanted
To feel disenchanted is to experience a loss of illusion or enthusiasm for something previously admired or held in high regard. It’s a sobering emotion where one’s admiration or belief is replaced by disappointment and a more cynical view.
Disgruntled
Disgruntled describes a state of anger or dissatisfaction, often due to a sense of injustice or unfair treatment. It’s a simmering resentment that can lead to complaints, protests, or a general air of annoyance and ill will.
Disgusted
Disgusted is a powerful emotion of extreme aversion, revulsion, or intense displeasure, often triggered by something offensive, repulsive, or morally reprehensible. It can cause both physical and emotional recoil, signaling deep disapproval.
Disheartened
To feel disheartened is to experience a loss of enthusiasm, hope, or courage, often after encountering setbacks or failures. It’s a dispiriting emotion that can lead to a weakening of resolve and a decreased willingness to continue striving.
Disillusioned
Disillusioned means having one’s false beliefs or illusions shattered, leading to disappointment and a loss of enthusiasm. It’s a sobering realization that something or someone is not as wonderful or ideal as once thought, replacing idealism with cynicism.
Dislike
Dislike is a mild to moderate feeling of aversion or displeasure towards something or someone. It’s a preference against, indicating a lack of enjoyment or approval, but typically less intense than hatred or disgust.
Dismal
Dismal describes a feeling of profound gloom, dreariness, and sorrow. It conveys a sense of utter bleakness and cheerlessness, often reflecting a pessimistic outlook or an environment that contributes to a low and unhappy state of mind.
Dismayed
To feel dismayed is to experience distress, consternation, or profound disappointment, often due to an unexpected and troubling discovery. It implies a sense of shock and helplessness, as one grapples with an unfavorable revelation.
Disparaging
Disparaging describes an emotion or attitude characterized by belittling or expressing the view that someone or something is of little worth. It seeks to undermine or discredit, often through critical and dismissive comments aimed at diminishing value.
Dispirited
To feel dispirited means to have lost one’s enthusiasm, hope, or morale, often due to persistent difficulties or setbacks. It’s a state of profound discouragement that saps motivation and resilience, making it hard to maintain a positive outlook.
Displeased
Displeased signifies a feeling of annoyance, dissatisfaction, or a lack of pleasure regarding a situation or outcome. It’s a mild to moderate negative reaction, indicating that something has not met one’s expectations or approval.
Disquieted
To feel disquieted is to experience a subtle sense of worry, unease, or anxiety. It’s a state of mental disturbance or agitation, where one feels unsettled and restless, often without a clear cause but a pervasive sense of impending concern.
Disregarded
To feel disregarded is to experience the painful emotion of being ignored, dismissed, or treated as insignificant. It conveys a sense of being overlooked and undervalued, leading to feelings of sadness, anger, or worthlessness when one’s presence or efforts are not acknowledged.
Disrespected
To feel disrespected is to experience a sense of being treated without proper regard, honor, or courtesy. It’s an upsetting emotion stemming from perceived insults or belittling behavior, eroding one’s self-esteem and sense of dignity.
Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied describes a state of unhappiness or discontentment arising from the failure of something to meet one’s expectations or desires. It’s a pervasive feeling that indicates a lack of fulfillment, often leading to a desire for change or improvement.
Distraught
Distraught describes a state of being deeply upset and agitated, often due to extreme emotional pain, worry, or grief. It implies a loss of composure and an inability to think clearly, as one is consumed by overwhelming feelings.
Distressed
To feel distressed is to experience extreme anxiety, sorrow, or physical pain. It’s a state of intense suffering and discomfort, signaling a profound emotional burden that can impact one’s well-being and ability to cope.
Distrustful
Distrustful describes a feeling of suspicion or a lack of confidence in the reliability or sincerity of someone or something. It stems from past betrayals or a cautious nature, leading to wariness and a reluctance to fully confide.
Disturbed
To feel disturbed means to be uneasy, agitated, or emotionally troubled by something. It suggests a disruption of one’s peace of mind, ranging from mild annoyance to significant psychological distress, often caused by unsettling thoughts or events.
Doleful
Doleful describes a state of profound sadness, grief, or mournfulness. It often implies a long-lasting sorrow that is expressed overtly, as if carrying a heavy burden of unhappiness, and can evoke sympathy in observers.
Dolorous
Dolorous signifies a state of deep sorrow, grief, or distress, often more intense and profound than mere sadness. It describes a painful and mournful emotion, highlighting suffering that is acutely felt and expressed, like profound lamentation.
Dominated
To feel dominated means to be overwhelmed or controlled by another’s power or influence, leading to a sense of helplessness or subjugation. This emotion can stem from imbalance in relationships, where one’s autonomy is suppressed.
Doomed
Doomed describes a pervasive feeling of being irrevocably destined for a terrible or undesirable outcome. It conveys a sense of hopelessness, as if one is fated to fail or suffer, leaving little room for optimism or escape.
Doubtful
Doubtful signifies a state of uncertainty, suspicion, or a lack of conviction about something. It implies hesitancy to believe or trust, often arising when evidence is lacking or conflicting, leading to questioning and a cautious approach.
Dour
Dour describes a perpetually gloomy, sullen, or severe mood, often accompanied by a stern and unyielding demeanor. It conveys a sense of grimness and unfriendliness, indicating a persistent negativity that rarely brightens.
Down
Down is a common and straightforward term for feeling sad, low in spirits, or unhappy. It’s a temporary state of emotional decline, often without intense despair, signifying a general sense of gloominess or mild melancholy.
Downcast
Downcast describes a feeling of being disheartened, dejected, or low in spirits, often visibly reflected in one’s posture or gaze. It conveys a sense of sadness and discouragement, with one’s eyes often directed downwards in thought.
Downhearted
Downhearted means feeling discouraged and low in spirits, often due to disappointment or a setback. It’s a common emotion signaling a temporary loss of enthusiasm and hope, leaving one feeling less optimistic and less energetic.
Dread
Dread is a profound and overwhelming sense of fear and apprehension about something that is about to happen or is expected. It’s a consuming anxiety about future events, often accompanied by a feeling of helplessness and impending doom.
Dreary
Dreary describes a feeling of dullness, bleakness, and general lack of cheer, often associated with monotonous surroundings or a prolonged period of sadness. It conveys a sense of monotony and gloom, contributing to a dispirited state.
Dubious
Dubious signifies a feeling of uncertainty, doubt, or suspicion about the truth, reliability, or quality of something. It implies a lack of conviction, leaving one hesitant to believe or trust, often requiring further verification.
Dull
Dull describes a feeling of boredom, lacking excitement, or being uninspired. It’s a state where one feels unstimulated or mentally sluggish, often due to monotony or a lack of engaging activity, leading to apathy.
Dumbfounded
To feel dumbfounded means to be utterly astonished, amazed, or perplexed to the point of being speechless. It’s a state of profound surprise that can momentarily incapacitate one’s ability to react or comprehend due to shock.
Dysphoric
Dysphoric refers to a state of profound uneasiness, dissatisfaction, or general unhappiness. It’s a clinical term often describing a mood state characterized by anxiety, irritability, or depression, distinct from normal sadness and often persistent.