1 discomfort | Definition of discomfort

discomfort

verb
dis·​com·​fort | \ dis-ˈkÉ™m(p)-fÉ™rt How to pronounce discomfort (audio) \
discomforted; discomforting; discomforts

Definition of discomfort

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 archaic : dismay sense 1
2 : to make uncomfortable or uneasy

discomfort

noun

Definition of discomfort (Entry 2 of 2)

1 archaic : distress, grief
2 : mental or physical uneasiness : annoyance

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Other Words from discomfort

Verb

discomfortable \ dis-​ˈkÉ™m(p)-​fÉ™r-​tÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce discomfortable (audio) , -​ˈkÉ™m(p)f-​tÉ™r-​bÉ™l \ adjective

Examples of discomfort in a Sentence

Verb

the harsh criticism of his musical talent did not discomfort him in the least

Noun

The patient is still experiencing some discomfort. These new developments are being watched with discomfort by many of our allies.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The pop’s discomforting similarity to gunfire is enough to make people pause, and the uncertainty can lead to a common, albeit cryptic, summer city question: Gunshot or fireworks? Bianca Sanchez, chicagotribune.com, "Gunshots or fireworks? How to tell the difference," 3 July 2019 Fear and discomfort around bondage and kink typically come out of misunderstanding what BDSM is—and is not. Gigi Engle, SELF, "5 Ways to Ease Your Partner Into Trying Bondage and Kink," 28 Sep. 2018 The sound of a gunshot can range from discomforting to downright painful, depending on the caliber and the distance from gun to listener. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The Marines Are Equipping Hundreds of Infantrymen with Silencers," 28 Nov. 2016 In a pioneering pop-up event, the graffiti king had taken over a shop in Westbourne Grove and filled it with live rats that scampered among the artworks in a failed attempt to discomfort the Notting Hill crowd. Waldemar Januszczak, A-LIST, "Kate Moss: The Golden Girl," 1 July 2018 Shakti Chen’s understandable emotions became a discomforting go-to reaction shot for producers even as others spoke. Phil Rosenthal, chicagotribune.com, "No ifs about it after Fox's O.J. Simpson show: 'I remember I grabbed the knife'," 12 Mar. 2018 Was his presence discomforting in the midst of the #TimesUp movement considering his checkered past? Jake Kring-schreifels, Esquire, "The Best, Worst, and Weirdest Moments of the 2018 Oscars," 5 Mar. 2018 To those allies and partners who are discomforted by uncertainty, the onus is on them to draw nearer and listen more closely. Jerry Hendrix, National Review, "Trump and His Strategy of Ambiguity," 8 Jan. 2018 The strange comfort of this otherwise discomforting listen is, in fact, the proof that artmaking survives everything. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "The 10 Best Albums of 2017," 12 Dec. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Federer’s discomfort may have explained his staggering number of unforced errors: 61 over all, including 33 off his backhand. David Waldstein, New York Times, "Dimitrov Stuns Federer at U.S. Open, Adding to Chaos on the Men’s Side," 3 Sep. 2019 Baldelli said Gonzalez was feeling a bit better but still had mild discomfort. Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, "Byron Buxton rejoins Twins after rehab assignment halted," 28 Aug. 2019 As feminist author and New York magazine writer Rebecca Traister told The Nation’s Jeet Heer, Franken could have taken, say, a three-month leave to learn how his behavior might have caused discomfort. Clarence Page, chicagotribune.com, "Column: #MeToo lessons from Al Franken and Kirsten Gillibrand: Will the Democrats learn in time for 2020?," 27 Aug. 2019 But recent divisive comments could cause some discomfort among the world leaders. Aj Willingham, CNN, "5 things to know for August 23: Overstock CEO, G7, Japan-South Korea, romance scams," 23 Aug. 2019 What was a minor discomfort becomes a betrayal of truth. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, "Miss Manners: So you’re not a ‘dress-up person’? Suck it up.," 22 Aug. 2019 What was a minor discomfort becomes a betrayal of truth. Judith Martin, Washington Post, "Miss Manners: Be true to yourself, but avoid rudeness," 22 Aug. 2019 The big money debate Harris says her plan is responding to a real discomfort among American people. Tara Golshan, Vox, "The divide between Harris and Sanders on health care is deepening.," 20 Aug. 2019 To reduce discomfort or illness from the heat, Marotti suggests bringing a bandana and plenty of water (pack water for you and your dog, not just to share), then wet the bandana and rub the cool cloth on the dog’s belly, armpits and paws. Mindy Sink, The Know, "How to keep your dog safe when hiking on hot days," 17 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discomfort.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of discomfort

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for discomfort

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French descomforter, from des- dis- + comforter to comfort

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More Definitions for discomfort

discomfort

verb

English Language Learners Definition of discomfort

 (Entry 1 of 2)

formal : to make (someone) uncomfortable, worried, etc.

discomfort

noun

English Language Learners Definition of discomfort (Ent