discomfit

UK: dɪsˈkʌmfɪt | US: dɪsˈkʌmfɪt

Definition
  1. vt. to make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed

  2. vt. to thwart or frustrate plans or efforts (archaic)

Structure
dis <undo>comfit <prepare>dis <undo>comfit <prepare>
Etymology

Originally from Old French desconfire ("to defeat or destroy"), discomfit entered Middle English with a military sense of "routing an enemy." Over time, the meaning softened to describe psychological unease or frustration. The morpheme dis- negates the idea of being "prepared" (comfit), reflecting a state of being undone or unsettled.

Examples
  1. Her sharp criticism discomfited him during the meeting.

  2. The team's strategy was discomfited by unexpected delays.

  3. He tried to hide his discomfiture after the awkward joke.

  4. The politician’s evasive answers discomfited the interviewer.

  5. Their plans were discomfited by the sudden weather change.