Embarrassment
/ɪmˈbærəsmənt/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness.
She felt a deep embarrassment when she tripped in front of everyone.
A person or thing causing one to feel this way.
His constant mistakes became an embarrassment to the team.
The act of embarrassing someone.
It was an embarrassment to her family when he made inappropriate jokes at the dinner.
Etymology
From the French word 'embarrasser', meaning to hinder or impede, from 'barre' meaning bar.
Common Phrases and Expressions
make a fool of oneself
To behave in a way that results in embarrassment.
in an embarrassing situation
Caught in a position that causes discomfort or shame.
red-faced
Blushing from embarrassment.
Related Words
embarrass
To cause someone to feel awkward or ashamed.
embarrassing
Causing one to feel awkward or self-conscious.
Slang Meanings
Awkward moment
That was such an awkward moment when everyone went silent.
Cringe
I can't watch that video; it gives me so much cringe.