First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1discomfit
verb dis·com·fit \dis-ˈkəm(p)-fət, especially Southern ˌdis-kəm-ˈfit\
: to make (someone) confused or upset
Full Definition of DISCOMFIT
transitive verb
1
a archaic : to defeat in battle b : to frustrate the plans of : thwart
2
: to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment : disconcert
— dis·com·fit·ing·ly \dis-ˈkəm(p)-fə-tiŋ-lē, ˌdīs-kəm-ˈfi-\ adverb
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Origin of DISCOMFIT
Middle English, from Anglo-French descumfit, past participle of descumfire, from des- dis- + cumfire to prepare — more at comfit
Related to DISCOMFIT
Synonym Discussion of DISCOMFIT
embarrass, discomfit, abash, disconcert, rattle mean to distress by confusing or confounding. embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action <embarrassed to admit that she liked the movie>. discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion <hecklers discomfited the speaker>. abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority <abashed by her swift and cutting retort>. disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy <disconcerted by finding so many in attendance>. rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment <rattled by all the television cameras>.
2discomfit
noun
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