disorient

/dɪsˈɔːrient/ (bre, ipa) · [dɪsˈɔriˌɛnt] /dɪsˈɔːrient/ (ame, ipa) · [dɪsˈɔriˌɛnt] /(ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-ē-ˌent How to pronounce disorient (audio)/ (ame, mw)

disorient — verb

  • disorientpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • disorientshe / she / it
  • disorientedpast simple
  • disorienting-ing form

1. to upset someone's sense of direction so they cannot tell their position or find

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to upset someone's sense of direction so they cannot tell their position or find the right way to go.

例句

A sharp turn in the dark tunnel disoriented Esteban for a few seconds.

physical sense: lose your sense of direction

Heavy fog disoriented hikers on the mountain path before sunrise.

同義詞
  • confuse

    broader and less physical; it can be about ideas as well as direction

  • bewilder

    stronger and more emotional, often suggesting total uncertainty

  • throw off

    more informal and often used for a brief loss of balance or focus

反義詞
  • orient

    to help someone know where they are or how things are arranged

文法句型

disorient + noun phrase

用法筆記

Usually used when darkness, movement, fog, noise, or an unfamiliar place makes it hard to work out which way to go.

常見錯誤

❌The signs disoriented me to the station.
✅The signs disoriented me, and I missed the way to the station.
💡'disorient' means make someone lose direction; it does not take a destination after 'to'.

2. to throw someone off mentally, leaving them unsure about what is happening or ho

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to throw someone off mentally, leaving them unsure about what is happening or how to respond.

例句

The lawyer's rapid questions disoriented Quan during the interview.

figurative: pressure makes someone lose focus

The long list of new rules disoriented shop owners at first.

同義詞
  • confuse

    the nearest broad synonym, but it does not suggest the same sudden loss of balance

  • unsettle

    often stresses emotional unease more than confusion

  • rattle

    more informal and often used when someone loses confidence under pressure

反義詞
  • steady

    to keep someone calm and mentally settled

文法句型

disorient + noun phrase

用法筆記

Used for mental confusion caused by pressure, surprise, or new information, not mainly for losing your physical direction.

常見錯誤

❌The question disoriented about me.
✅The question disoriented me.' or 'I was disoriented by the question.
💡the verb takes a direct object; use 'by' in the passive form.