discomfit

/dis-ˈkəm(p)-fət/

Middle English, from Anglo-French descumfit, past participle of descumfire, from des- dis- + cumfire to prepare

verb

  1. to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment : disconcert

  2. to frustrate the plans of : thwart

  3. to defeat in battle

was discomfited by the question

embarrass discomfit abash disconcert rattle mean to distress by confusing or confounding. embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action. discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

noun

  1. the state of being confused, embarrassed, or upset : discomfiture