Embarrass
/ɪmˈbærəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause someone to feel awkward or self-conscious.
/ɪmˈbærəs/
To cause someone to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed.
I was embarrassed when I tripped and fell in front of everyone.
💡 Simply: Think about when you accidentally say something silly in front of your friends. That's when you feel embarrassed! It's like your face gets hot and you wish you could disappear.
👶 For kids: When you do something silly and you feel like everyone is looking at you and laughing, that's when you feel embarrassed.
More Examples
She was embarrassed to admit she didn't know the answer.
The sudden applause embarrassed him.
How It's Used
"He embarrassed her by bringing up her old relationship."
"She was embarrassed when she forgot her lines during the play."
To make something difficult or complex; to cause obstruction.
/ɪmˈbærəs/
To impede or obstruct; to make difficult.
The sudden strike embarrassed the supply chain.
💡 Simply: Imagine something getting in the way of your plans. Maybe a traffic jam makes you late, or a complicated instruction sheet is confusing. That situation embarrasses your ability to easily achieve what you set out to do
👶 For kids: When something stops you from doing what you want to do, like a big pile of toys blocking the way.
More Examples
Lack of funding embarrassed the project's progress.
How It's Used
"The company's financial difficulties embarrassed their expansion plans."
Idioms & expressions
to be embarrassed into doing something
To be forced to do something because of feelings of shame or awkwardness.
"She was embarrassed into admitting the truth."
red-faced
Displaying visible signs of embarrassment or anger, typically a reddening of the face.
"She became red-faced when she realized everyone had overheard her."
From French *embarrasser* (to obstruct, hinder), from *em-* (in) + *barre* (bar, obstacle), from Vulgar Latin *barra* (barrier).
The word 'embarrass' has been used since the 17th century, initially to mean to obstruct or hinder. The sense of causing someone to feel awkward or ashamed developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine someone dropping their tray in a crowded cafeteria – that's embarrassing!