discountenance

American  

[dis-koun-tn-uhns] / dɪsˈkaʊn tn əns /

verb (used with object)

discountenanced, discountenancing

1. to disconcert, embarrass, or abash.

   With his composure, he survived every attempt to discountenance him.

2. to show disapproval of.

   The teachers discountenanced smoking by the students.

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noun

1. disapproval; disapprobation.

discountenance British  

/ dɪsˈkaʊntɪnəns /

verb

1. to make ashamed or confused

2. to disapprove of

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noun

1. disapproval

Other Word Forms

• discountenancer noun

Etymology

Origin of discountenance

First recorded in 1570–80; dis- ¹ + countenance

Example Sentences

“In a siege,” said Dr. Trefusis, “time’s passage is itself an event, and one of the keenest weapons of assault. You appear discountenanced.”

From Literature

But when Hamilton pleaded a second time, Reverend Moore agreed, provided that if he lived, Hamilton would “employ all your influence in society to discountenance this barbarous custom.”

From New York Times

We cannot stop it, but we can speak against it and write it down, and discountenance it in every possible way, as we are all bound to do.

From Project Gutenberg

Emancipation, in spite of harsh laws passed to discountenance it, had rapidly gone on.

From Project Gutenberg

As to indecency, in proportion as it is flagrant is the shock and resentment against it; and as vanity is the source of indecency, so the universal discountenance and shame is its most effectual antidote.

From Project Gutenberg