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.
Thomas’ absence from the field for the entire spring has been disconcerting. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025 But with 95 games remaining, their season hinges on a disconcerting number of maybes. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2025 Trump’s and Musk’s retaliatory tit for tat also raises the disconcerting possibility of disrupting other SpaceX-centric parts of U.S. space plans, many of which are seen as critical for national security. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 5 June 2025 Their behavior was disconcerting in a way that only made sense later. Deborah Baker june 3, Literary Hub, 3 June 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 27 Jun. 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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