Word of the Day 5.2.09
discomfit
dis·com·fit (d
s-k
m
ft)
tr.v. dis·com·fit·ed, dis·com·fit·ing, dis·com·fits
1. To make uneasy or perplexed; disconcert. See Synonyms at embarrass.
2. To thwart the plans of; frustrate.
3. Archaic To defeat in battle; vanquish.
n.
Discomfiture.
[Middle English discomfiten, from Old French desconfit, past participle of desconfire, descumfire, to defeat : des-, dis- + confire, to make (from Latin c
nficere, to prepare; see comfit).]
Usage Note: It is true that discomfit originally meant “to defeat, frustrate” and that its newer use meaning “to embarrass, disconcert” probably arose in part through confusion with discomfort. But the newer sense is now the most common use of the verb in all varieties of writing and should be considered entirely standard.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
| Verb | 1. | discomfit – cause to lose one’s composure
arouse, elicit, evoke, provoke, enkindle, kindle, fire, raise – call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses); “arouse pity”; “raise a smile”; “evoke sympathy”
dissolve – cause to lose control emotionally; “The news dissolved her into tears”
anguish, pain, hurt – cause emotional anguish or make miserable; “It pains me to see my children not being taught well in school”
afflict – cause great unhappiness for; distress; “she was afflicted by the death of her parents”
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Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
