discomfit

UK: /dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/ US: /dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/ ,(dis kum′fit)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

dis•com•fit /dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/   v. [~ + object]

1. to confuse and deject;
   upset;
   disconcert:
   The tricky question about his finances discomfited the mayor.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

dis•com•fit  (dis kum′fit), v.t. 

1. to confuse and deject;
   disconcert:
   to be discomfited by a question.
2. to frustrate the plans of;
   thwart;
   foil.
3. [Archaic.] to defeat utterly;
   rout:
   The army was discomfited in every battle.

n. 

4. [Archaic.] rout;
   defeat.

• Latin conficere; see confect
• Anglo-French descunfit, Old French desconfit, past participle of desconfire, equivalent. to des- dis-¹ + confire to make, accomplish
• Middle English 1175–1225

dis•com′fit•er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. discompose, embarrass, disturb.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

discomfit / dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/ verb (transitive)

1. to make uneasy, confused, or embarrassed
2. to frustrate the plans or purpose of
3. to defeat in battle

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old French desconfire to destroy, from des- (indicating reversal) + confire to make, from Latin conficere to produce; see confect

disˈcomfiture noun