discomfiture
[dis-kuhm-fi-cher]
- the state of being disconcerted; confusion; embarrassment.
- frustration of hopes or plans.
- Archaic. defeat in battle; rout.
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Origin of discomfiture
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for discomfiture
Contemporary Examples
Recent years have seen an increase in private sector health care, to, inevitably, the relief of some and discomfiture of others.
Historical Examples
He entered with an expression of discomfiture on his rather vacuous countenance.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
"Oh, I'll apologize," he said with a wry smile of discomfiture.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
Gilberte insistently went on, as if enjoying her friend's discomfiture.
The DownfallEmile Zola
He seemed to be enjoying their discomfiture, and absolutely confident of his own safety.
The Einstein See-SawMiles John Breuer
"I know—I haven't forgot," he muttered, covering his discomfiture.
A Son of HagarSir Hall Caine
Word Origin and History for discomfiture
n.
mid-14c., from Old French desconfiture "rout, defeat" (12c.; Modern French déconfiture), from desconfit (see discomfit).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper