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

I do not wish to discompose you, Madam," said Mr. Talton, coolly; "pray be seated.

From The Mysterious Wanderer, Vol. III A Novel in Three Volumes by Reeve, Sophia

"I would never make demands upon him that he should love me always," the girl proceeded, with a gentle solemnity that this kind of flippant witticism could not discompose.

From A Mere Chance, Vol. 2 of 3 A Novel by Cambridge, Ada

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

But you cannot upset the punt any more than you can discompose the Englishman; the punt simply upsets you without seeming to be aware of it.

From An American at Oxford by Corbin, John