What does discomfit mean?

The term "discomfit" refers to the act of making someone feel uneasy or embarrassed; it conveys a sense of discomfort or disruption of one's composure. When someone is discomfited, they often lose their confidence or comfort in a situation, which aligns closely with the choice of "to lose one's composure." This means that the individual may feel flustered, awkward, or out of sorts as a result of the circumstances they are in.

The other options do not capture the essence of discomfit. Encouraging someone implies a positive or supportive action, which is the opposite of causing discomfort. Agreeing with someone suggests a sense of alignment or harmony that conflicts with the notion of discomfit, which involves causing unease. Clarifying a statement typically involves providing additional information or context to improve understanding, which does not relate to creating discomfort or losing composure. Thus, the chosen answer accurately reflects the meaning of discomfit in its correct context.