disconcert

verb

dis·​con·​cert ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt 

disconcerted; disconcerting; disconcerts

transitive verb

1

: to throw into confusion

disconcerting their plans

2

: to disturb the composure of

were disconcerted by his tone of voice

disconcerting adjective

disconcertingly

ˌdis-kən-ˈsər-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

disconcertment

ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of disconcert

• embarrass
• confuse
• fluster
• rattle

Choose the Right Synonym for disconcert

embarrass, discomfit, abash, disconcert, rattle mean to distress by confusing or confounding.

embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

Examples of disconcert in a Sentence

News of his criminal past has disconcerted even his admirers.

we were disconcerted by the unexpected changes to the program

Recent Examples on the Web

None of the emails unearthed so far appear to indicate criminal activity, but are—like the photos—disconcerting. —Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 31 Jan. 2026

Manchester City 3-1 Wolves Bournemouth vs Liverpool The really disconcerting thing for Arne Slot and Liverpool in this turbulent season is that there are almost certainly choppier waters ahead. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

The difference was stark, and very quickly the X1 Carbon Pro’s disconcerting whirring became tiresome. —Chris Haslam Jeremy White, Wired News, 26 Jan. 2026

For the next few months, though, O’Connell’s riding the high of Sir Jimmy Crystal’s disconcerting magnetism. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French disconcerter, alteration of Middle French desconcerter, from des- dis- + concerter to concert

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disconcert

• controvert
• extrovert
• introvert
• reassert
• undershirt
• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert

Kids Definition

disconcert

verb

dis·​con·​cert ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt 

1

: to disturb the arrangement of : upset

the unexpected event disconcerted their plans

2

: to disturb the self-control of

your frank stare disconcerted me

disconcertingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb