EMBARRASS • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Embarrass

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/ɪmbˈɛrəs/ Listen

verb

Embarrass v. t. (past & past part. embarrassed; pres. part. embarrassing)

1.

To hinder from freedom of thought, speech, or action by something which impedes or confuses mental action; to make (a person) unpleasantly self-conscious; to perplex; to discompose; to disconcert; as, laughter may embarrass an orator.

Synonyms: abash, discompose, disconcert, discomfit, chagrin.

2.

To hinder from liberty of movement; to impede; to obstruct; as, business is embarrassed; public affairs are embarrassed.

Synonyms: obstruct, blockade, block, hinder, stymie.

3.

(Com.) To involve in difficulties concerning money matters; to incumber with debt; to beset with urgent claims or demands; said of a person or his affairs; as, a man or his business is embarrassed when he can not meet his pecuniary engagements.

Synonyms: To hinder; perplex; entangle; confuse; puzzle; disconcert; abash; distress. To Embarrass, Puzzle, Perplex. We are puzzled when our faculties are confused by something we do not understand. We are perplexed when our feelings, as well as judgment, are so affected that we know not how to decide or act. We are embarrassed when there is some bar or hindrance upon us which impedes our powers of thought, speech, or motion. A schoolboy is puzzled by a difficult sum; a reasoner is perplexed by the subtleties of his opponent; a youth is sometimes so embarrassed before strangers as to lose his presence of mind.

noun

Embarrass n. Embarrassment. (Obs.)

See images of 'Embarrass'

Etymology of 'Embarrass'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Embarrass" Quotes from Famous Books

... their cargoes when passing through the Sound higher duties than those of the most favored nations. This may be regarded as an implied agreement to submit to the tolls during the continuance of the treaty, and consequently may embarrass the assertion of our right to be released therefrom. There are also other provisions in the treaty which ought to be modified. It was to remain in force for ten years and until one year after either party should give notice to the other of intention to terminate ...

— State of the Union Addresses of Franklin Pierce • Franklin Pierce

... had thought to embarrass her by this flight of gallantry, my hope was fruitless, for the arrow, splintered by her smile, fell harmlessly to the ...

— The Romance of a Plain Man • Ellen Glasgow

... all necessary information, returned to the ship to report the result of his visit. He did not tarry long, and when he came back relieved the apprehensions of the passengers by assuring them that the commander of the sloop of war, far from seeking to injure or embarrass them, felt for their misfortunes and would gladly render them any assistance in his power. He then went among the passengers, conversed with them, asked each one his name and country, and took other ...

— Jack in the Forecastle • John Sherburne Sleeper

... of the city with barricades and pitfalls excepting two streets which led to the place of embarkation. The object of these obstructions was to embarrass Csar's progress through the city in case he should force an entrance while his men were getting on board the ships. He then, in order to divert Csar's attention from his design, doubled the guards stationed upon the walls on the evening ...

— The Junior Classics • Various

... must in no way try to take part in the fighting. They must not attempt to attack either isolated soldiers or detachments of the German army. The erection of barricades, the taking up of paving stones in the streets in a way to hinder the movement of troops, or, in a word, any action that may embarrass the German army, ...

— America's War for Humanity • Thomas Herbert Russell

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