disconcert

verb

dis·​con·​cert ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt How to pronounce disconcert (audio)
disconcerted; disconcerting; disconcerts

transitive verb

1
: to throw into confusion
disconcerting their plans
2
: to disturb the composure of
were disconcerted by his tone of voice
disconcerting adjective
disconcertingly adverb
disconcertment noun
Choose the Right Synonym for disconcert

embarrass, discomfit, abash, disconcert, rattle mean to distress by confusing or confounding.

embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

Examples of disconcert in a Sentence

News of his criminal past has disconcerted even his admirers. we were disconcerted by the unexpected changes to the program
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The first 10 minutes of USC’s NCAA tournament debut had been disconcerting enough already. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025 Poor or limited communication is also deeply disconcerting to candidates and is a key reason for dropping out of the process. Rebecca Skilbeck, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 The more absurd or humorous examples, like the animation of Irving that plays at his funeral, can also be disconcerting. Abigail Lee, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025 Her self-possession is at points a touch disconcerting; breaking eye contact is not her style. Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disconcert

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French disconcerter, alteration of Middle French desconcerter, from des- dis- + concerter to concert

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disconcert was in 1632

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Cite this Entry

“Disconcert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disconcert. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

disconcert

verb
dis·​con·​cert ˌdis-kən-ˈsərt How to pronounce disconcert (audio)
1
: to disturb the arrangement of : upset
the unexpected event disconcerted their plans
2
: to disturb the self-control of
your frank stare disconcerted me
disconcertingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disconcert

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