discomfited

UK: dɪsˈkʌmfɪtɪd | US: dɪsˈkʌmfɪtɪd

Definition

  1. vt. 1. To make someone feel uneasy, embarrassed, or defeated.

  2. adj. 2. (Archaic) Defeated or overthrown in battle.

Structure
dis <negative prefix>comfit <prepare/strengthen, from Old French "confit">ed <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "discomfit" traces back to Old French desconfire ("to defeat"), from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + conficere ("to prepare/complete"). Originally a military term meaning "to defeat utterly," its meaning softened over time to describe emotional or psychological unease. The "-ed" suffix marks the past participle form.

Examples

  1. The unexpected question discomfited the speaker.

  2. She felt discomfited by the intense scrutiny.

  3. The army was discomfited in the final battle.

  4. His sarcastic remark left her visibly discomfited.

  5. They discomfited their opponents with a swift strategy.