Embarrass: meaning, definitions and examples

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embarrass

 

[ ɪmˈbɛrəs ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

social interaction

cause (someone) to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed.

Synonyms

disconcert, humiliate, shame

Examples of usage

  • She was embarrassed by her son's tantrum in the supermarket.
  • I didn't want to embarrass her in front of her friends.
Context #2 | Noun

social interaction

a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness.

Synonyms

awkwardness, discomfort, shame

Examples of usage

  • He turned red with embarrassment when his mistake was pointed out.
  • She couldn't hide her embarrassment at being caught singing in the shower.

Translations

Translations of the word "embarrass" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embaraçar

🇮🇳 शर्मिंदा करना

🇩🇪 in Verlegenheit bringen

🇮🇩 memalukan

🇺🇦 збентежити

🇵🇱 zawstydzać

🇯🇵 困らせる

🇫🇷 embarrasser

🇪🇸 avergonzar

🇹🇷 utandırmak

🇰🇷 당황하게 하다

🇸🇦 يحرج

🇨🇿 ztrapnit

🇸🇰 zahanbiť

🇨🇳 使尴尬

🇸🇮 osramotiti

🇮🇸 gera vandræðalegan

🇰🇿 ұялту

🇬🇪 შერცხვება

🇦🇿 utandırmaq

🇲🇽 avergonzar

Etymology

The word 'embarrass' originated from the French word 'embarrasser', which means 'to block' or 'obstruct'. The English word first appeared in the 17th century. It originally meant to impede or obstruct, but over time, it evolved to its current meaning of causing someone to feel awkward or self-conscious.

See also: embarrassed, embarrassedly, embarrassing, embarrassingly, embarrassment.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,124, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.