discomfit
discomfit Lexical Profile
discomfit Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make someone feel uneasy, disconcerted, or embarrassed.
"The unexpected pointedness of the journalist's question seemed to discomfit the seasoned spokesperson."
To thwart, frustrate, or decisively defeat the plans or expectations of an opponent (formal or archaic).
"Sudden regulatory changes threatened to discomfit the corporation's ambitious expansion strategy."
• noun
A state of being thwarted, baffled, or disconcerted; an utter defeat or rout (now rare or archaic, largely superseded by 'discomfiture').
"The sudden collapse of the negotiations resulted in the complete discomfit of the opposing delegation."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although 'discomfit' historically meant to utterly defeat or rout in battle, influence from the similar-sounding word 'discomfort' has shifted its primary modern meaning to making someone feel uneasy, disconcerted, or embarrassed.
• Rhymes for discomfit
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Old French 'desconfire' (to defeat or destroy), ultimately from Vulgar Latin '*disconficere' (to undo), formed from 'dis-' and Latin 'conficere' (to prepare or accomplish).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.