Abashed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Middle English 'abasshen,' which means to 'cause to lose courage.'
• Its roots trace back to the Old French 'abaisser,' meaning to 'lower down or humble,' hinting at a loss of confidence.

Psychology

• Being abashed can trigger a fight-or-flight response, affecting how we react in social situations.
• Feeling this way gets more intense in large groups, often linked to social anxiety and fear of judgment.

Literature

• The term has appeared in works by Shakespeare, who used it to convey characters’ deep feelings in complex situations.
• It often describes moments of vulnerability in characters, revealing their emotional depth and human fragility.

Pop Culture

• In various TV shows and movies, characters feel abashed when they accidentally embarrass themselves in front of someone they like.
• Social media has amplified feelings of being abashed, as people may feel uncomfortable sharing less-than-perfect moments online.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, feelings of abashment can lead to social withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining face and dignity.
• Rituals or ceremonies in certain cultures, like coming-of-age celebrations, address the feeling of being abashed as part of personal growth and maturity.

Positioned at #24,842, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 24839 despising
• 24840 inattentive
• 24841 dissipating
• 24842 abashed
• 24843 unproven
• 24844 peripherally
• 24845 exemplification
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