discomposure.

A loss of outward calm or emotional self-control.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• betray discomposure
• conceal discomposure
• momentary discomposure

On the page

The witness hid her discomposure by asking for water.

His discomposure lasted only until the guard identified herself.

No tremor in her voice revealed the discomposure she felt.

Usage notes

Primary category: fear. Formal; may result from embarrassment or surprise as well as fear. Less severe and less enduring than despair. Usually uncountable in this sense. Derived family (not additional inflections or records): discomposed.