discomfiture
UK: dɪsˈkʌmfɪtʃə | US: dɪsˈkʌmfɪtʃər
n. a feeling of embarrassment, unease, or frustration; the state of being disconcerted or thwarted.
discomfiture = dis<negative prefix> + comfit<prepare/achieve> + ure<noun suffix>
- dis (negative prefix, from Latin dis-, meaning "apart" or "opposite")
- comfit (archaic verb, from Old French confire, meaning "to prepare" or "to accomplish"; related to Latin conficere, "to complete")
- ure (noun-forming suffix, from Latin -ura, indicating a state or result)
Etymology Origin:
Originally from Old French desconfit (defeated), discomfiture entered Middle English with a military connotation ("to defeat in battle"). Over time, the meaning softened to describe emotional or psychological defeat—embarrassment or frustration. The prefix dis- negates the root comfit (achievement), creating a sense of thwarted success.
His awkward joke caused visible discomfiture among the guests.
She tried to hide her discomfiture after forgetting the speech.
The team’s loss led to a shared sense of discomfiture.
His discomfiture was evident when he realized his mistake.
The politician’s discomfiture grew as the interview became hostile.