discomfit

[ dis-kuhm-fit ]

verb (used with object)

1. to confuse and deject; disconcert:

   to be discomfited by a question.

   Synonyms: disturb, embarrass, discompose

2. to frustrate the plans of; thwart; foil.
3. Archaic. to defeat utterly; rout:

   The army was discomfited in every battle.

noun

1. Archaic. rout; defeat.

discomfit

/ dɪsˈkʌmfɪt /

verb

1. to make uneasy, confused, or embarrassed
2. to frustrate the plans or purpose of
3. archaic.
   to defeat in battle

Derived Forms

• disˈcomfiter, noun
• disˈcomfiture, noun

Other Words From

• dis·comfit·er noun
• undis·comfit·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discomfit¹

1175–1225; Middle English < Anglo-French descunfit, Old French desconfit, past participle of desconfire, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + confire to make, accomplish < Latin conficere; confect

Word History and Origins

Origin of discomfit¹

C14: from Old French desconfire to destroy, from des- (indicating reversal) + confire to make, from Latin conficere to produce; see confect

Example Sentences

But when the candidate was pitted against Donald J. Trump—whose only discernible remaining power lies in his ability to threaten and discomfit women—the critique that Harris somehow owed the public and the former president a kind of button-down blank receptivity and amiability is simply ridiculous.

From Slate

Headlines on Thursday morning in Hungarian news media outlets loyal to Mr. Orban’s government hinted that his main objective all along has been to position himself as a guiding beacon for Europeans dissatisfied with the status quo and looking for a leader ready to discomfit mainstream opinion.

From New York Times

Before June of this year, he had not come out to his parents as gay, and worried the accusations might discomfit his family.

From Los Angeles Times

He had not yet come out to his parents as gay, and worried such accusations might discomfit his family.

From Los Angeles Times

Some analysts say Ukraine's military is talking up the idea of a counter-offensive to discomfit their Russian counterparts.

From BBC

Related Words

• demoralize
• disconcert
• perplex
• vex