disconcert

verb dis·con·cert \ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt\

: to make (someone) upset or embarrassed

Full Definition of DISCONCERT

transitive verb

: to throw into confusion

: to disturb the composure of

— dis·con·cert·ing adjective

— dis·con·cert·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

— dis·con·cert·ment \-mənt\ noun

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Origin of DISCONCERT

obsolete French disconcerter, alteration of Middle French desconcerter, from des- dis- + concerter to concert

First Known Use: 1687

Related to DISCONCERT

Synonyms: abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, embarrass, discountenance, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattle

Synonym Discussion of DISCONCERT

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>.