What's the difference between abash and discountenance?

Abash


Definition:

  • (v. t.) To destroy the self-possession of; to confuse or confound, as by exciting suddenly a consciousness of guilt, mistake, or inferiority; to put to shame; to disconcert; to discomfit.

Example Sentences:

  • (1) Later on, it was my mum who would bang on about people being lesbians and I would be pleased but still rather abashed to hear the words.
  • (2) Do not feel abashed, faithful correspondent, for it is not your fault.
  • (3) Hytner seems genuinely abashed at the suggestion he's made it look easy.
  • (4) "I saw Katie Price here on TV," she says, a touch abashed.

Discountenance


Definition:

  • (v. t.) To ruffle or discompose the countenance of; to put of countenance; to put to shame; to abash.
  • (v. t.) To refuse to countenance, or give the support of one's approval to; to give one's influence against; to restrain by cold treatment; to discourage.
  • (n.) Unfavorable aspect; unfriendly regard; cold treatment; disapprobation; whatever tends to check or discourage.

Example Sentences: