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

---

discompose British  

/ ˌdɪskəmˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to disturb the composure of; disconcert

2. rare to disarrange

---

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

No one goes with any exaggerated expectations of enjoyment; but as little does he anticipate anything to discompose or displease him.

From The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. I (of II) by Lever, Charles James

Of course the failure did not discompose me, nor shake my belief.

From There is no Death by Marryatt, Florence

From her apartment she was attended by several of the principal gentlemen of the neighborhood, who had come to protect her from the approach of any thing that might discompose her.

From Lives of Celebrated Women by Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)

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