discomfit

¹dis·com·fit

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

Definition of DISCOMFIT

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 Synonym Discussion at embarrass

²discomfit

noun

Definition of DISCOMFIT

: discomfiture

First Known Use of DISCOMFIT

15th century