Embarrass
/ɪmˈbær.əs/noun
To make someone feel self-conscious, ashamed, or awkward.
Did you know?English got *embarrass* from French *embarrasser*, originally meaning “to block, hinder, or encumber,” and it only later shifted into the emotional idea of being mentally “stuck” and ashamed.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
French
embarrasser
“To block, hinder, encumber, or make difficult”
16th Century
Portuguese/Spanish
embarazar / embarassar
“To hinder, entangle, or obstruct”
Late Medieval
Iberian Romance
*barra*
“Bar, obstacle, or crosspiece”
Late Latin
Latin
barra
“Bar or barrier”
Modern English
English
embarrass
“To cause feelings of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness”