Discommode

/ˌdɪskəˈmoʊd/ verb

Definition

To cause inconvenience, discomfort, or trouble to someone; to put someone out.

Etymology

From dis- + commode (from French commode, related to Latin commodus meaning 'convenient or suitable'). This word has meant to inconvenience since the 1600s, with the prefix reversing the sense of 'commode' (convenient).

Kelly Says

In Georgian and Victorian literature, characters are constantly apologizing for 'discommoding' each other—it's such a politely formal way to say 'I'm being a bother.' Modern English dumped it, but it perfectly captures that era's obsession with not putting anyone out.

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