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

Other Word Forms

• discomfiter noun
• undiscomfited adjective
• discomfiture noun

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

The author says Prescott was in a "class of his own when it came to discomfiting Charles".

From BBC

I came away from “Notes to John” feeling discomfited and saddened — though literary scholars may read it as providing context with which to deconstruct a great writer’s oeuvre.

From Los Angeles Times

But when the movie reaches an admirable capacity with its ideas about parenthood, authoritarianism, mortality and connection, it falters in bringing everything to the reverberating conclusion its discomfiting first two-thirds merits.

From Los Angeles Times

People who consider it their right to force their religious beliefs on others are not just discomfiting to members of a religious minority like me; they’re frightening.

From Los Angeles Times

And, often, getting discomfited slightly helps that process along.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demoralize 
• disconcert 
• perplex 
• vex