Abash

To embarrass or make someone feel ashamed, disconcerted, or self-conscious. It implies a loss of self-confidence and composure, often resulting from an unexpected or awkward situation. The feeling of being abashed can manifest in various ways, such as blushing, stammering, avoiding eye contact, or a general sense of awkwardness. The situation that causes the abashment is often a sudden revelation of a fault, an unexpected social blunder, or a perceived personal inadequacy. The resulting state can vary in severity, ranging from mild embarrassment to profound shame. The key aspect is the reduction in self-assurance and the feeling of exposure.

Abash meaning with examples

• When Sarah tripped and spilled coffee on the CEO during the presentation, the look on her face showed how thoroughly **abashed** she felt. The sudden turn of events left her speechless, mortified that she had created such an interruption, especially in front of such a prestigious member of the company. The incident created tension in the room as silence hung heavy, waiting for her to regain her composure and confidence.
• John was **abashed** when his date pointed out the food stuck in his teeth. He quickly excused himself to the restroom, completely flustered, the perfect date now seeming imperfect. He felt a burning sensation of self-consciousness as he recalled laughing to excess at her joke earlier. Now he could not escape the reminder that a social mishap such as this could ruin his chances.
• After forgetting his wedding anniversary, Mark felt incredibly **abashed** when his wife burst into tears. His momentary lapse left him feeling unworthy of love or trust, filled with a mixture of guilt and remorse as his beloved wife's emotional distress seemed as if it were his own. He spent the rest of the evening attempting to repair the damage, but the damage, the scar of the day, never fully disappeared.
• The comedian was visibly **abashed** when his joke fell flat and the audience remained silent. This uncomfortable silence made him pause and momentarily question his own sense of humor. He felt as if his entire show had deflated as the crowd's response gave a harsh judgment, and he began to regret many of his decisions, wondering if his jokes were worthy.
• Mary was **abashed** by the unexpected praise she received for her artwork; she usually preferred to be modest and understated. The spotlight felt uncomfortable, forcing her into the role of pride rather than the usual humble persona. The sudden attention made her wish she could retreat back into obscurity, her face flushed with a mixture of pleasure and unease.