discomfit

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Verb 1.2.1 Synonyms 1.2.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

< Old French desconfit, past participle of desconfire "to undo", "to destroy" < des-, "completely" (< Latin dis-) + confire "to make", "to accomplish" < Latin conficere "to finish up", "to destroy" < com- "with", "together" + facere "to make", "to do".

[edit] Verb

to discomfit (third-person singular simple present discomfits, present participle discomfiting, simple past and past participle discomfited)

1. (archaic) To defeat completely; to rout.
   • 1611, Bible: King James Version, Exodus 17:13,

     And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

2. To defeat the plans or hopes of; to frustrate.
   • 1886, Andrew Lang The Mark Of Cain, ch. 10,

     In these disguises, Maitland argued, he would certainly avoid recognition, and so discomfit any mischief planned by the enemies of Margaret.

3. To embarrass greatly; to confuse.
   • 1853, Charlotte Brontë, Villette, ch. 20,

     She is a pretty, silly girl: but are you apprehensive that her titter will discomfit the old lady?

[edit] Synonyms

• (defeat; rout) overthrow, vanquish
• (frustrate) foil, thwart
• (embarrass; confuse) abash, disconcert
• See also Wikisaurus:abash

[edit] Translations