discomfit

1 to prevent from achieving a goal <constant interruptions discomfited her in her attempt to finish the speech, and she finally gave up> Synonyms baffle, balk, beat, checkmate, frustrate, foil, thwartRelated 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, overcomeNear Antonyms abet, aid, assist; ease, facilitate, smoothAntonyms advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote

2 to throw into a state of self-conscious distress <he was discomfited by the awkward situation of having his ex-girlfriend meet his current one> Synonyms abash, confound, confuse, embarrass, disconcert, discountenance, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattleRelated Words agitate, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, put off, put out, unhinge, unsettle, upset; debase, degrade, demean, humble, humiliate, queer, shameNear Antonyms calm, comfort, console, relieve, soothe; buoy, cheer, embolden, encourage, hearten; assure, reassure