Displeasure, n.
Etymology: [Pref. dis- + pleasure: cf. OF. desplaisir, F. déplaisir. Cf. Displease.]
1. The feeling of one who is displeased; irritation or uneasiness of the mind, occasioned by anything that counteracts desire or command, or which opposes justice or a sense of propriety; disapprobation; dislike; dissatisfaction; disfavor; indignation. O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Ps. vi. 1. Undoubtedly he will relent, and turn From his displeasure. Milton.
2. That which displeases; cause of irritation or annoyance; offense; injury. Hast thou delight to see a wretched man Do outrage and displeasure to himself Shak.
3. State of disgrace or disfavor; disfavor. [Obs.] He went into Poland, being in displeasure with the pope for overmuch familiarity. Peacham.
Syn. -- Dissatisfaction; disapprobation; disfavor; distaste; dislike; anger; hate; aversion; indignation; offense.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Displeasure, v. t.
To displease. [Obs.] Bacon.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for displeasure; he lists it under anger, pique.
Where he writes about it:
Displeasure is the mildest and most general word. — from anger
Indignation is impersonal and unselfish displeasure at unworthy acts (L. indigna), i. e., at wrong as wrong. — from anger
Wrath is deep and perhaps vengeful displeasure, as when the people of Nazareth were "filled with wrath" at the plain words of Jesus (Luke iv, 28); it may, however, simply express the culmination of righteous indignation without malice in a pure being; as, the wrath of God. — from anger
Umbrage is a deeper and more persistent displeasure at being overshadowed (L. umbra, a shadow) or subjected to any treatment that one deems unworthy of him. — from pique