DISCOMFIT

upset, discompose, untune, disconcert, discomfit

(verb) cause to lose one’s composure

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Verb

discomfit (third-person singular simple present discomfits, present participle discomfitting or discomfiting, simple past and past participle discomfitted or discomfited) (transitive)

(archaic) To defeat completely; to rout.

Synonyms: overthrow, vanquish

(rare) To defeat the plans or hopes of; to frustrate.

Synonyms: foil, thwart

To embarrass greatly; to confuse; to perplex; to disconcert.

Synonyms: abash, disconcert, Thesaurus:abash

Usage notes

While the word is widely used to mean “to embarrass, to disconcert”, prescriptive usage considers this a mistake (confusion with discomfort), and restricts discomfit to meaning “to defeat”. However, Merriam–Webster notes that “[...] the sense "to discomfort or disconcert" has become thoroughly established and is the most prevalent meaning of the word.”

Adjective

discomfit (comparative more discomfit, superlative most discomfit)

(obsolete) Discomfited; overthrown.

Source: Wiktionary

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Dis*com"fit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Discomfited; p. pr. & vb. n. Discomfiting.] Etym: [OF. desconfit, p. p. of desconfire, F. déconfire; fr. L. dis- + conficere to make ready, prepare, bring about. See Comfit, Fact.]

1. To scatter in fight; to put to rout; to defeat. And his proud foes discomfit in victorious field. Spenser.

2. To break up and frustrate the plans of; to balk Well, go with me and be not so discomfited. Shak.

Syn.

– To defeat; overthrow; overpower; vanquish; conquer; baffle; frustrate; confound; discourage.

Dis*com"fit, a.

Definition: Discomfited; overthrown. [Obs.]

Dis*com"fit, n.

Definition: Rout; overthrow; discomfiture. Such as discomfort as shall quite despoil him. Milton.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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