Abashment

Abashment is the feeling of being embarrassed, humiliated, or ashamed. It stems from a sudden loss of self-confidence and poise, often triggered by an unexpected event, a public blunder, or the realization of a personal shortcoming. The sensation can manifest physically, with blushing, stammering, or a desire to hide. It is a potent emotion, a social regulator that can teach humility and sensitivity. Understanding abashment, both in oneself and in others, fosters empathy and allows for more considered interpersonal interactions. It reminds us of our fallibility and the shared human experience of imperfection.

Abashment meaning with examples

• During the awards ceremony, Sarah's abashment was evident when she tripped on the stage steps, causing her to spill the drink she was holding. The room fell silent, and she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she quickly recovered, attempting to laugh it off.
• The politician's abashment was visible when a reporter revealed a series of contradictory statements made during his previous interviews. His carefully constructed image crumbled, and he struggled to answer the questions.
• After realizing he accidentally sent a private message to a group chat, John experienced a wave of abashment. He quickly deleted it, but the damage was done. A few awkward exchanges later, he just decided to leave the chat.
• The young musician's abashment deepened after a critical review of his debut album. His dreams of stardom seemed to waver, and he questioned his abilities. The critic's harsh assessment cast a long shadow.
• In a crowded elevator, after realizing she had been singing along loudly to her music without her headphones on, Mary experienced overwhelming abashment. Everyone seemed to be watching her, their faces betraying an emotion akin to her own: mortification.