discompose

[ dis-kuhm-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·com·posed, dis·com·pos·ing.

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

discompose

/ ˌdɪskəmˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to disturb the composure of; disconcert
2. rare.
   to disarrange

Derived Forms

• ˌdiscomˈposure, noun
• ˌdiscomˈposedly, adverb
• ˌdiscomˈposingly, adverb

Other Words From

• discom·posed·ly adverb
• discom·posing·ly adverb
• undis·com·posed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discompose¹

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

Example Sentences

Here, lines define the two figures while simultaneously discomposing and merging them.

From New York Times

“I am glad I have done being in love with him. I should not like a man who is so soon discomposed by a hot morning. Harriet’s sweet easy temper will not mind it.”

From Literature

In watching his face, I made quite a firework of the Aged’s sausage, and greatly discomposed both my own attention and Wemmick’s; for which I apologised.

From Literature

Within seconds, he was so discomposed that he could no longer continue the interview.

From New York Times

She saw how Romero avoided every brusque movement and saved his bulls for the last when he wanted them, not winded and discomposed but smoothly worn down.

From Literature