verb

discountenance

to show disapproval of, to refuse to approve of, to disconcert

The committee will discountenance any unethical behavior.

The committee will show disapproval of any unethical behaviour.

His rude comment seemed to discountenance her.

His rude comment seemed to disconcert her.

((sth.)) to show disapproval of (sth.) The committee will discountenance any unethical behavior.

Synonyms: disapprove, frown upon, disconcert; Antonyms: approve, countenance, encourage

From 'dis-' (not, opposite of) + 'countenance' (facial expression, approval). Literally, 'to show a face of disapproval'.

Think of 'discounting' someone's 'countenance' (face/approval). You are refusing to give them your approving face.

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