discomfit

¹dis·com·fit

verb
\dis-ˈkəm(p)-fət, especially Southern ˌdis-kəm-ˈfit\

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

Examples of DISCOMFIT

1. <constant interruptions discomfited her in her attempt to finish the speech, and she finally gave up>
2. <he was discomfited by the awkward situation of having his ex-girlfriend meet his current one>

Origin of DISCOMFIT

Middle English, from Anglo-French descumfit, past participle of descumfire, from des- dis- + cumfire to prepare — more at comfit

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to DISCOMFIT

Synonyms: baffle, balk, beat, checkmate, frustrate, foil, thwart

Antonyms: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote

Related Words: bar, block, clog, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel; arrest, check, halt, set back, short-circuit, stall, stop; avert, forestall, obviate, preclude, prevent; negate, neutralize, nullify; counteract, offset; conquer, defeat, overcome

Near Antonyms: abet, aid, assist; ease, facilitate, smooth

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at embarrass