|
|
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
discompose, a different word altogether:
1 : to destroy the composure of
2 : to disturb the order of
- dis·com·po·sure /-'pO-zh&r/ noun
synonyms DISCOMPOSE, DISQUIET, DISTURB, PERTURB, AGITATE,
UPSET, FLUSTER mean to destroy capacity for collected thought or
decisive action. DISCOMPOSE implies some degree of loss of
self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress
<discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife>. DISQUIET suggests
loss of sense of security or peace of mind <the disquieting news of
factories closing>. DISTURB implies interference with one's mental
processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption <the
discrepancy in accounts disturbed me>. PERTURB implies deep
disturbance of mind and emotions <perturbed by her husband's
strange behavior>. AGITATE suggests obvious external signs of nervous
or emotional excitement <in his agitated state we could see he was
unable to work>. UPSET implies the disturbance of normal or habitual
functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief <the family's constant
bickering upsets the youngest child>. FLUSTER suggests bewildered
agitation <his declaration of love completely flustered her>.
...or, discombobulate. : )
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 261
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 261 |
Oh! Now that you mention discompo sure... I stand corrected. 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315
enthusiast
|
|
enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 315 |
You are right, I found some similarities with
scombussolare - from bussola=compass, to leave the correct way (given by the compass)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204
Pooh-Bah
|
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204 |
Tsuwm, do you have any idea of how long this has been in use? Personally, I link it with Ken Dodd, a Northern (English) stand-up comedian who was very popullar in the 60s and 70s (not with me, he wasn't, but who am I to tell the teeming millions that they are wrong?) but I find it hard to believe that he would actually invent anything!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
|
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204
Pooh-Bah
|
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,204 |
Hmmmm. I guess Ken Dodd only looks that old!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624
Pooh-Bah
|
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624 |
I rather like Juan's idea that combobulate could mean "reincarnate". "After three days he was combobulated" has a certain ring to it!
- Pfranz
|
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics13,913
Posts229,331
Members9,182
| |
Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
|
|
|
0 members (),
854
guests, and
1
robot. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
