First Known Use: 1687
Dictionary
disconcert
verb dis·con·cert \ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt\
: to make (someone) upset or embarrassed
Full Definition of DISCONCERT
transitive verb
1
: to throw into confusion
2
: to disturb the composure of
— dis·con·cert·ing adjective
— dis·con·cert·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
— dis·con·cert·ment \-mənt\ noun
See disconcert defined for English-language learners
See disconcert defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DISCONCERT
obsolete French disconcerter, alteration of Middle French desconcerter, from des- dis- + concerter to concert
Related to DISCONCERT
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>.
Rhymes with DISCONCERT
ambivert, bladderwort, bloody shirt, body shirt, butterwort, controvert, extrovert, feverwort, hobble skirt, in concert, inexpert, introvert, liverwort, malapert, miniskirt, mitrewort, moneywort, overshirt, overskirt, pennywort, polo shirt, red alert, Saint-John's-wort, spiderwort, tail covert, thoroughwort, undershirt, underskirt, wing covert
DISCONCERTING Defined for Kids
disconcert
verb dis·con·cert \ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt\
dis·con·cert·eddis·con·cert·ing
Definition of DISCONCERT for Kids
: to make confused and a little upset <The change in plans disconcerted him.>
Learn More About DISCONCERT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: disconcertionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: DisconanthaeAll Words Near: disconcert
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up disconcert? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).