embarrassment
|em-bar-rass-ment|
B2
/ɪmˈbærəsmənt/
feeling of awkwardness
Etymology
Etymology Information
'embarrassment' originates from French, specifically the word 'embarras,' where 'em-' meant 'in' and 'barras' meant 'obstacle.'
Historical Evolution
'embarras' transformed into the English word 'embarrassment' during the 18th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'obstruction or hindrance,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'feeling of awkwardness or shame.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness.
She felt a deep sense of embarrassment when she tripped on stage.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35