embarrass

Embarrass is a verb with two common senses. As a transitive verb, it means to cause someone to feel self-conscious, awkward, or ashamed. It can also describe situations or actions that produce these feelings in others or in oneself; intransitive use expresses that someone feels embarrassment. The word forms include embarrassed (adjective), embarrassing (adjective), and embarrassment (noun).

Etymology: The term is borrowed from French embarrasser, meaning to hinder or obstruct, from en- “in” plus barre/ barrier in a sense of an obstacle. English usage with the modern spelling developed in the 16th century.

Usage and nuance: Embarrass is milder than shame or humiliate; it often implies social discomfort rather than moral judgment. It can refer to public missteps that cause a person to blush or feel exposed, or to private moments of awkwardness. Common contexts include everyday social errors, blunders, or awkward remarks. Collocations include embarrass someone, be embarrassed, embarrassing, embarrassment, and embarrassingly. Examples: A careless remark can embarrass a coworker; he spilled coffee and embarrassed himself in front of the group.

Cultural and psychological aspects: Embarrassment is a social emotion tied to norms of acceptance and evaluation. People may blush, avert their gaze, or offer a quick apology in response. Reactions can vary by culture and situation, influencing how people interpret and respond to embarrassing moments.

See also: shame, humiliation, self-consciousness, social anxiety.