desconcertar
verbCEFR B2
What does “desconcertar” mean in English?
to puzzle, to disconcert
to puzzle, to disconcert (to cause confusion and surprise; desconcertar a alguien; yo desconcierto)
Example sentences
Los resultados contradictorios desconcertaron al equipo, que no encontraba una explicación coherente.
The contradictory results puzzled the team, who could not find a coherent explanation.
La respuesta ambigua del director desconcertó a todos los presentes en la reunión.
The director's ambiguous response disconcerted everyone present at the meeting.
How to use it
Desconcertar means 'to puzzle', 'to bewilder', or 'to disconcert'. Stem-changing: yo desconcierto. It focuses on the emotion of confusion/disconcertment caused in someone. Structure: algo desconcertó a alguien (something puzzled someone). Adjective: desconcertado/a (puzzled).
Common mistake
Desconcertar (puzzle/disconcert — emotional state of confusion) vs. confundir (confuse — mix up or make someone mistake one thing for another). Desconcertar implies surprise and bewilderment; confundir implies misidentification.