embarrass

embarrass [em bar′əs, imbar′əs]

vt.

[Fr embarrasser, lit., to encumber, obstruct < Sp embarazar < It imbarrazzare < imbarrare, to bar, impede < in- (L in-) + ML barra, BAR¹]

1. to cause to feel self-conscious, confused, and ill at ease; disconcert; fluster

2. to cause difficulties to; hinder; impede

3. to cause to be in debt; cause financial difficulties to

4. to make more difficult; complicate

embarrassing

adj.

embarrassingly

adv.

embarrassment

n.

SYN.- to EMBARRASS is to cause to feel ill at ease so as to result in a loss of composure [embarrassed by their compliments ]; ABASH implies a sudden loss of self-confidence and a growing feeling of shame or inadequacy [I stood abashed at his rebukes ]; DISCOMFIT implies a frustration of plans or expectations and often connotes a resultant feeling of discomposure or humiliation; to DISCONCERT is to cause someone to lose self-possession quickly, resulting in confusion or mental disorganization [his interruptions were disconcerting]; RATTLE¹ and FAZE are equivalents for DISCONCERT, but the former emphasizes emotional agitation, and the latter is most commonly used in negative constructions [danger does not faze him ] -ANT. COMPOSE, ASSURE