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embarrass

em·bar·rass

embarrass

 
 
pronunciation:
em bae rihs
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Builder, Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: embarrasses, embarrassing, embarrassed
definition 1: to shame, disconcert, make ill at ease, or make painfully self-conscious.
I embarrassed myself trying to do that dance in front of all those people.Her father's questioning of her boyfriend embarrassed her intensely.It embarrassed me to find I didn't have enough money to pay for the groceries.[it + verb + smby + infinitive ] It embarrassed us that our team lost every game in the tournament.[it + verb + smby + that + clause ] It always embarrasses her when her parents make a big fuss in public.[it + verb + smby + when + clause ]
synonyms:
abash, chagrin, discountenance, humiliate, make a monkey out of, mortify, shame
similar words:
burn, confuse, discomfit, discomfort, discompose, disconcert, humble, upset
definition 2: to beset with obstacles; impede.
synonyms:
encumber, hinder, impede, obstruct
antonyms:
disembarrass
similar words:
beleaguer, beset, burden, frustrate, handicap, thwart
definition 3: to burden with financial problems.
synonyms:
straiten
similar words:
strain, stretch
definition 4: to complicate (a problem).
synonyms:
complicate, entangle, involve, snarl
similar words:
confuse, muddle
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to become unpleasantly self-conscious or disconcerted.
He embarrasses at any hint of praise.
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derivations: embarrassedly (adv.), embarrassingly (adv.)
Word Builder: embarrass +
  • embarrassed:
    feeling uncomfortable or ashamed.
  • embarrassing:
    causing someone to become uncomfortable or ashamed.
  • embarrassment:
    a feeling of being made uncomfortable or ashamed.
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