discompose

American  

[dis-kuhm-pohz] / ˌdɪs kəmˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object)

discomposed, discomposing

1. to upset the order of; disarrange; disorder; unsettle.

   The breeze discomposed the bouquet.

2. to disturb the composure of; agitate; perturb.

   The bad news discomposed us.

   Synonyms:

   disconcert, discomfit

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discompose British  

/ ˌdɪskəmˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to disturb the composure of; disconcert

2. rare to disarrange

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Other Word Forms

• discomposedly adverb
• discomposingly adverb
• discomposure noun
• undiscomposed adjective

Etymology

Origin of discompose

First recorded in 1475–85; dis- ¹ + compose

Example Sentences

This did not seem to discompose him; on the contrary, he looked rather amused.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

The vehemence with which I put this question seemed to discompose my attendant.

From The Devil's Elixir Vol. II (of 2) by Hoffmann, E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus)

"I have had something more than fatigue to discompose me," answered I, sobbing; "and I think I have some reproaches to make you, for not attending me home as you promised."

From The Sylph, Volume I and II by Cavendish, Georgiana

You may answer, perhaps, that you did not like to make a fuss, or seem squeamish, or discompose the company; and so, from timidity, you said ‘the thing that was not.’

From Talkers With Illustrations by Bate, John

What have ye seen to discompose ye thus?

From Joan of Arc A Play in Five Acts by Sargant, Jane Alice