Embarrass

To cause someone to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed; to make someone feel uncomfortable or humiliated in front of others. It often involves a sudden loss of composure, a feeling of inadequacy, or a violation of social norms. The degree of embarrassment can range from a mild sense of discomfort to profound shame and humiliation. The situation causing embarrassment can be unintentional, deliberate, or a result of a misunderstanding. It can also involve a fear of judgment or negative evaluation from others.

Embarrass meaning with examples

• During the public presentation, I tripped and fell, spilling coffee all over myself, which severely *embarrassed* me. The entire audience laughed, and I wanted the ground to swallow me up. I stammered through the rest of the speech, mortified by the clumsy display.
• The politician's controversial tweet caused him a great deal of *embarrassment* when it was widely criticized. He had to issue a public apology, knowing his reputation had been damaged. The media was relentless in its coverage, highlighting his blunder.
• She *embarrassed* her friend by loudly pointing out his outdated hairstyle at a party, which made him feel self-conscious. He tried to brush it off but felt the sting of the comment. He avoided eye contact with everyone for the rest of the night.
• He was *embarrassed* when the cashier announced he was late on payments. The situation quickly drew attention from other shoppers. He wished he'd paid his dues, but the timing of this public pronouncement was just awful.
• I was dreadfully *embarrassed* when my parents started sharing childhood stories about me during the dinner. My date and I were so uncomfortable with the topic. They were the type of stories I didn't want to share.