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, by holding Presbytery as alone of Divine origin, she would most effectively discountenance such unjust claims.

From Project Gutenberg

Those teachers who discountenance local effort have only their own experience to guide them.

From Project Gutenberg

This conduct should receive not only the discountenance, but the decided reprehension of the respectable part of the community.

From Project Gutenberg

It cherishes those Passions, and rewards those Vices, which 'tis the business of Reason to discountenance.

From Project Gutenberg

Everything that we know of Shakespeare seems to discountenance the probability of his having any such intention.

From Project Gutenberg