discomfort

American  

[dis-kuhm-fert] / dɪsˈkʌm fərt /

noun

1. an absence of comfort or ease; uneasiness, hardship, or mild pain.

2. anything that is disturbing to or interferes with comfort.

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verb (used with object)

1. to disturb the comfort or happiness of; make uncomfortable or uneasy.

discomfort British  

/ dɪsˈkʌmfət /

noun

1. an inconvenience, distress, or mild pain

2. something that disturbs or deprives of ease

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verb

1. (tr) to make uncomfortable or uneasy

Other Word Forms

• discomfortable adjective
• discomfortingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of discomfort

First recorded in 1300–50; (for the verb) Middle English discomforten “to discourage, pain,” from Anglo-French descomforter “to sadden, grieve”; equivalent to dis- ¹ + comfort; noun derivative of verb

Example Sentences

Donaldson took notes on Probst’s techniques for getting deep answers out of contestants and the way he allowed discomfort or tension between contestants to naturally develop into drama on camera.

From The Wall Street Journal

Emery revealed earlier this month that the England international has been battling knee discomfort for more than a year, but he looked back to his best inside the box to put Chelsea to the sword.

From Barron's

He had scored just three times previously, while Emery revealed earlier this month that the striker has been battling knee discomfort for over a year.

From Barron's

We almost feel bad about how much he struggled with being a traitor, but his sweating and discomfort were pure entertainment.

From BBC

And Shane’s discomfort at hearing Ilya say it shows how challenging that level of emotional nudity is for these two to skate around.

From Salon

Related Words

• ache
• annoyance
• displeasure
• disquiet
• embarrassment
• hardship
• soreness
• trouble
• uneasiness
• unpleasantness