discomfit
/dɪsˈkʌmfɪt/
Group 19Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed; to thwart or defeat GRE
Example in Context
The unexpected question visibly discomfited the witness, who stammered through an unconvincing response.
Synonyms
embarrassunsettlefluster
Etymology
To unnerve someone, making them feel the opposite of confident.
- dis- (Latin) — opposite of
- confitus (Latin) — to make confident
Memory Aid
😬Sounds like “discomfort”
When you DISCOMFIT someone, it’s like giving them a surprise wedgie at the least COMFORTABLE moment!
Visual Association
😳A person blushing furiously, caught off guard by an embarrassing moment.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “discomfit” mean on the GRE?
discomfit (verb) means “To make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed; to thwart or defeat”. The unexpected question visibly discomfited the witness, who stammered through an unconvincing response.
How to remember “discomfit” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “discomfit” sounds like “discomfort”. When you DISCOMFIT someone, it’s like giving them a surprise wedgie at the least COMFORTABLE moment!
What are synonyms for “discomfit”?
Common synonyms: embarrass, unsettle, fluster.