Displease, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Displeased; p. pr. & vb. n. Displeasing.]
Etymology: [OF. desplaisir, whence F. déplaisir displeasure; pref. des- (L. dis-) + plaisir to please. See Please, and cf. Displeasure.]
1. To make not pleased; to excite a feeling of disapprobation or dislike in; to be disagreeable to; to offend; to vex; -- often followed by with or at. It usually expresses less than to anger, vex, irritate, or provoke. God was displeased with this thing. 1 Chron. xxi. 7. Wilt thou be displeased at us forever Psalms lxxxv. 5 (Bk. of Com. Prayer). This virtuous plaster will displease Your tender sides. J. Fletcher. Adversity is so wholesome . . . why should we be displeased therewith Barrow.
2. To fail to satisfy; to miss of. [Obs.] I shall displease my ends else. Beau. & Fl.
Syn. -- To offend; disgust; vex; annoy; dissatisfy; chafe; anger; provoke; affront.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Displease, v. i.
To give displeasure or offense. [Obs.]
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for displease; he lists it under affront.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.