embarrass

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To make someone feel awkward, ashamed, or uncomfortable in front of others.

   The crowd's laughter embarrassed him.

Simplified etymology

Embarrass entered English through French in the late 16th century and was probably based on Portuguese baraço, “cord” or “halter.” It first meant “to encumber or impede.” The idea of difficulty or problems then produced the use of embarrassed for being in difficulties through lack of money. The familiar modern meaning was not recorded until the early 19th century.

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.

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External links

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