discompose

American  

[dis-kuhm-pohz] / ˌdɪs kəmˈpoʊz /

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

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discompose British  

/ ˌdɪskəmˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to disturb the composure of; disconcert

2. rare to disarrange

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of discompose

First recorded in 1475–85; dis- ¹ + compose

Example Sentences

This did not seem to discompose him; on the contrary, he looked rather amused.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

"Your suspicions discompose me very much," and he came back for a candle.

From Lawrence Clavering by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)

Far be it from me to willingly discompose an artist," replied Manasseh drily, "though from the elegance of the design, I venture to think my interruption will not make a hair's-breadth of difference.

From The King of Schnorrers Grotesques and Fantasies by Zangwill, Israel

You may answer, perhaps, that you did not like to make a fuss, or seem squeamish, or discompose the company; and so, from timidity, you said ‘the thing that was not.’

From Talkers With Illustrations by Bate, John

It may be he is right: it is not for me to gainsay him, or to further discompose his temper, when all the evidence is so plainly visible.

From Seeds of Pine by Canuck, Janey