What is noun that can be used to express weariness or dismay about what someone is about to say? I looked at a few different sites and no words came up.
Example:
Howie looks at his brother with _________, but holds his tongue, knowing what his brother is about to say won't be nice, but not wanting to start trouble beforehand.
I originally used the word "consternation," but I don't feel as if that is the right word to describe this situation.
If you know what is coming and can't do a thing to change or stop it, you can say it like this:
"Howie looks at his brother with "resignation", but holds his tongue, knowing what his brother is about to say won't be nice, but not wanting to start trouble beforehand."
"Resignation" as defined by MW-O (and other dictionaries - typically the 2nd definition):
the feeling that something unpleasant is going to happen and cannot be changed
foreboding, from Dictionary.com
If something doesn’t "bode" well, it means that the future doesn't look good. A foreboding is a glimpse or a feeling that bad things are going to happen. It's a premonition, or look into the future. Most times foreboding implies that something evil is coming, but sometimes it's used for anything bad up ahead, as in "she had a foreboding that the trip would get canceled due to the hurricane." Even if the future looks bright, a foreboding casts dread over what's ahead. (emphasis added)
Reproach, from ODO
- The expression of disapproval or disappointment:
"he gave her a look of reproach"
Reproof, from ODO
An expression of blame or disapproval
"she welcomed him with a mild reproof for leaving her alone"
Also kind of related, but not exactly the same meaning, Dissent, from ODO
The holding or expression of opinions at variance with those commonly or officially held:
"there was no dissent from this view"
Or simply, disapproval, disagreement, dismay, etc.
