What does "embarrass" mean?
to humiliate; to disrupt somebody's composure or comfort with acting publicly or freely; to abash.
Embarrass
/ɪmˈbæɹ.əs/ name, verb
name, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: to humiliate; to disrupt somebody's composure or comfort with acting publicly or freely; to abash.
- Grammar: embarrass is listed as name, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abash, abash, abashed, abashes.
- Useful contrasts: calm, comfort, encourage.
- Usage evidence: But showing off the presents could embarrass the guests who did not bring one.
How to use "embarrass"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "embarrass" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "embarrass" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "embarrass" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "embarrass" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "embarrass" is acting as name, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abash" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "embarrass", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 to humiliate; to disrupt somebody's composure or comfort with acting publicly or freely; to abash. transitive
"The crowd's laughter and jeers embarrassed him."
- 2 cause to be embarrassed; cause to feel self-conscious wordnet
- 3 To hinder from liberty of movement; to impede; to obstruct. transitive
"The motion was advanced in order to embarrass the progress of the bill."
- 4 hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of wordnet
- 5 To involve in difficulties concerning money matters; to encumber with debt; to beset with urgent claims or demands. transitive
"A man or his business is embarrassed when he cannot meet his pecuniary engagements."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 To perplex mentally; confuse, disconcert; catch off guard. formal, transitive
Proper Noun
- 1 A river or settlement in the United States:; A river in Minnesota, a tributary of the Saint Louis River.
- 2 A river or settlement in the United States:; A river in Wisconsin, a tributary of the Wolf River.
- 3 A river or settlement in the United States:; A township in Edgar County, Illinois.
- 4 A river or settlement in the United States:; A township and unincorporated community therein, in St. Louis County, Minnesota.
- 5 A river or settlement in the United States:; A village in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, located on the above river.
Example
"But showing off the presents could embarrass the guests who did not bring one."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "embarrass"?
Common synonyms include: abash, abash, abashed, abashes, abashing, absorb.
How do you use "embarrass" in a sentence?
But showing off the presents could embarrass the guests who did not bring one.
How do you pronounce "embarrass"?
Pronounced /ɪmˈbæɹ.əs/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Borrowed from French embarrasser, from Middle French embarrasser, embarasser (“to embarrass; to block, obstruct”), from Spanish embarazar, either from Italian imbarazzare or from Portuguese embaraçar.
Etymology 2
Apparently from French embarrasser (“block, impede, obstruct”). The name was probably applied to the rivers first.