disconcerted

American  

[dis-kuhn-sur-tid] / ˌdɪs kənˈsɜr tɪd /

adjective

1. disturbed, as in one's composure or self-possession; perturbed; ruffled.

   She was disconcerted by the sudden attack on her integrity.

2. bewildered or confused, as by something unexpected.

   The class was disconcerted by the instructor's confusion.

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disconcerted British  

/ ˌdɪskənˈsɜːtɪd /

adjective

1. perturbed, embarrassed, or confused

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Other Word Forms

• disconcertedly
  adverb
• disconcertedness
  noun
• undisconcerted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of disconcerted

First recorded in 1630–40; disconcert ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

A concert is a choreographed harmony of sounds but throw the prefix "dis" in front it and you have the opposite: disconcerted — a word used to describe someone whose composure has been disturbed or unsettled. Disconcerted is a combination of the French prefix des- which indicates reversal and the word concerter meaning "bring together," so something disconcerted is not brought together, but rather torn apart, or thrown into confusion. If you are under a lot of stress or worried about something, you're in a disconcerted or discombobulated state. Take a breath. Relax a moment. Everything will be OK.

Example Sentences

Disconcerted passersby didn’t quite know what to make of it, all those crisp white spheres forming an arsenal of fun.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2023

Disconcerted by what he heard, Roberts didn't investigate whether Wigan had a gay scene.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2023

Disconcerted, Mr. Doughton asked for a teller count.

From Time Magazine Archive

Brugnon beat Dr. King who had slumped after his match with Hennessey, Disconcerted, Cochet captured three out of four listless sets from menacing Mercur.

From Time Magazine Archive

Disconcerted by her death, the bees allow the pillage of their dwelling, and the cells are robbed from top to bottom.

From The Industries of Animals by Houssay, Frédéric