də̇ˈskəmfəˌchu̇(ə)r, -u̇ə, -_chə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English discomfiture, desconfiture, from Middle French desconfiture, from Old French, from desconfit + -ure
1.
a. : defeat in battle : rout , overthrow
might well have been the scene of the discomfiture of the pursuing Egyptian chariotry — G.W.Murray
b. : defeat or rout of any kind
the defeated candidate attributed his discomfiture to the disloyalty of party lieutenants
the champion picked himself up from the floor, grinning wryly at his own discomfiture
: frustration , disappointment
great hopes destined to end in discomfiture
2. : the state of being disconcerted or abashed : confusion , embarrassment
blushed and lowered her eyes in evident discomfiture
smiling blandly at my discomfiture
3. : disarray , damage , injury , inconvenience
plunged through countless … hedges and ditches, without apparent discomfiture to her muslin — George Meredith
the Waterside Workers' Federation has repeatedly demonstrated its strength, often to the discomfiture of the entire commonwealth — E.P.Hohman