discompose

[dis-kuhm-pohz]

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

discompose

/ ˌdɪskəmˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to disturb the composure of; disconcert

2. rare,  to disarrange

Other Word Forms

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

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.

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“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.”

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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.

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

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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.

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