noun / verb

discomfort

dis-KUM-fert/dɪsˈkʌmfərt/

Physical or mental unease.

The woman rubs her sore heel to ease the discomfort.

An older woman seated beside her removed shoe gently rubs a mildly reddened heel, showing a restrained wince rather than severe pain.

Etymology

disOld Frenchreversal, deprivation

+comLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+fortLatinstrong

The core is “strong,” with com- perhaps adding emphasis; dis- reverses that strengthening. The word moved from loss of courage or distress to the milder sense of physical or emotional unease.

In context

Emma Hubbard4:16

Discomfort cries are your baby's way of saying something doesn't feel right on my body and I need you to fix it.

Every Type of Baby Cry Explained

More examples

He laughs to hide his discomfort when money comes up.
Mosquito bites are among the small discomforts of camping.
Her pointed questions discomfort him.

Forms

discomfort · discomforts · discomforted · discomforting

uncomfortable adjective — Feeling physical or mental unease.

Similar words

unease: Emphasizes worry or apprehension rather than physical pain.
distress: Suggests stronger emotional suffering or more serious physical trouble.
soreness: Refers specifically to tenderness or aching in the body.