discountenance

[ dis-koun-tn-uhns ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·coun·te·nanced, dis·coun·te·nanc·ing.

1. to disconcert, embarrass, or abash:

   With his composure, he survived every attempt to discountenance him.

2. to show disapproval of:

   The teachers discountenanced smoking by the students.

noun

1. disapproval; disapprobation.

discountenance

/ dɪsˈkaʊntɪnəns /

verb

1. to make ashamed or confused
2. to disapprove of

noun

1. disapproval

Other Words From

• dis·counte·nanc·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discountenance¹

First recorded in 1570–80; dis- ¹ + countenance

Example Sentences

But when Hamilton pleaded a second time, Reverend Moore agreed, provided that if he lived, Hamilton would “employ all your influence in society to discountenance this barbarous custom.”

From New York Times

Now, would he but act a bold and decided part--dare the worst--discountenance a bad man and a villain--even, if necessary, in his magisterial capacity, treat him as he deserves--he would take away the sting from his malice.

From Project Gutenberg

We cannot stop it, but we can speak against it and write it down, and discountenance it in every possible way, as we are all bound to do.

From Project Gutenberg

This contrast troubled me and yet I longed to share my happiness: the child in me wanted to discountenance reason: the brown shoulders and rolling sea never left me as we talked and I tried to comfort, reminding him of days when it was fun to climb the hills and explore the beaches, fun all day: he admitted there had been time without pain and wondered why we were eventually cheated?

From Project Gutenberg

This contrast troubled me and yet I longed to share my happiness: the child in me wanted to discountenance reason: the brown shoulders and rolling sea never left me as we talked and I tried to comfort, reminding him of days when it was fun to climb the hills and explore the beaches, fun all day: he admitted there had been time without pain and wondered why we were eventually cheated?

From Project Gutenberg