disconcert Hear it!

disconcert Definition

dis·con·cert (dis′kən sʉrt′)

transitive verb

  1. to frustrate (plans, etc.)
  2. to upset the composure of; embarrass; confuse

Etymology: OFr desconcerter: see dis- & concert

disconcert Related Forms
dis′·con·cert′·ing adjective dis′·con·cert′·ingly adverb
disconcert Synonyms

disconcert

v.

perturb, unsettle, perplex; see confuse, disturb 2, embarrass 1. See syn. study at embarrass.

disconcert Usage Examples

Subject

  • fact: This activity worked quite well, however some students were quite disconcerted by the fact that the database had gaps.

Object

  • habit: He has the disconcerting habit of saying yes to everything: " Neil, is this easy enough for me?
  • feeling: We must not turn back because of the temporary disconcerting feelings that may come our way in time of change.
  • experience: Booking in for the first time was a disconcerting experience.
  • effect: The display is clear and bright, but a disconcerting effect makes it appear darker around the edges.
  • thought: Such disconcerting thoughts help to make the problem of phenomenal consciousness vivid.
  • way: It was bitterly cold and every so often a very faint breeze would gently move the undergrowth in a disconcerting way.

Used with why or when

  • when: Vera is puzzled and disconcerted when the women are friendly to her, as Bea agreed to Erica that they would be.

Infinitive complement

  • hear: Mr Lennie said he found it quite disconcerting to hear his words set to music when he heard the piece for the first time.
  • find: I was more than a little disconcerted to find that there's no C complier on the Ubuntu system!
  • see: Terry Lawton With both rod tubes side by side, it is slightly disconcerting to see that the shorter rod has the longer tube!
  • say: These are disconcerting to say the least, especially Don't Rely on your Friends.
  • have: It can be very disconcerting to have lost track of which way is " up " .
  • realize: It's disconcerting to realize that you are merely a shadow in other people's lives.

Modifying Another Word

  • somewhat: This was somewhat disconcerting: where was the joke?
  • slightly: It is slightly disconcerting to be greeted by the sight of soldiers coming toward us carrying rifles.
  • rather: Over the last 80 years they have attracted a wealth of theories, some of them rather disconcerting!
  • quite: It's quite disconcerting being able to see the carpet.
  • extremely: Returning from a break to find someone else sitting at your desk can be extremely disconcerting.
  • little: The transition might be a little disconcerting at first.