disconcert

[dis-kuhn-surt]

verb (used with object)

1. to disturb the self-possession of; perturb; ruffle.

   Her angry reply disconcerted me completely.

   Synonyms: discomfit, abash, bewilder, perplex, discompose
   Antonyms: calm

2. to throw into disorder or confusion; disarrange.

   He changed his mind and disconcerted everybody's plans.

   Antonyms: arrange

disconcert

/ ˌdɪskənˈsɜːt /

verb

1. to disturb the composure of

2. to frustrate or upset

Other Word Forms

• disconcerted adjective
• disconcertion noun
• disconcertment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disconcert¹

From the obsolete French word disconcerter, dating back to 1680–90. See dis- ¹, concert

Synonym Study

See confuse.

Example Sentences

While such an effect is highly unlikely and would probably be a tad disconcerting, Ms Mansfield says polynucleotides are forging the way when it comes to regenerative skincare.

Read more on BBC

When they visit St. Cloud’s and meet Dr. Larch, they are disconcerted by “an antiseptic smell, or something medicinal” in his office.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The recent spate of disconcerting news has felt sudden—and jarring.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It’s disconcerting and troubling that the content coming out of Israel is being treated differently from any other country,” Redstone said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Most disconcerting was the performance of Vesia, the team’s most trusted reliever.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitate 
• baffle 
• bewilder 
• confound 
• demoralize 
• discombobulate 
• discomfit 
• disturb 
• embarrass 
• frustrate 
• perplex 
• perturb 
• puzzle 
• unsettle