Antonyms for embarrass


Grammar : Verb
Spell : em-bar-uhs
Phonetic Transcription : ɛmˈbær əs


Definition of embarrass

Origin :
  • 1670s, "perplex, throw into doubt," from French embarrasser (16c.), literally "to block," from embarras "obstacle," from Italian imbarrazzo, from imbarrare "to bar," from in- "into, upon" (see in- (2)) + Vulgar Latin *barra "bar."
  • Meaning "hamper, hinder" is from 1680s. Meaning "make (someone) feel awkward" first recorded 1828. Original sense preserved in embarras de richesse (1751), from French (1726): the condition of having more wealth than one knows what to do with. Related: Embarrassed; embarrassing; embarrassingly.
  • verb cause mental discomfort
Example sentences :
  • However, he was not embarrassed; it took a great deal to embarrass him.
  • Extract from : « Ester Ried Yet Speaking » by Isabella Alden
  • I would give it to you in the original, but it might embarrass you; it certainly would me.
  • Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith
  • I asked him for it; but the question appeared to embarrass him.
  • Extract from : « Homeward Bound » by James Fenimore Cooper
  • In the meantime, Rougon's triumph was beginning to embarrass him.
  • Extract from : « The Fortune of the Rougons » by Emile Zola
  • This pointed question seemed to embarrass Mr. Parker greatly.
  • Extract from : « Thankful's Inheritance » by Joseph C. Lincoln
  • Do not embarrass him now by attention; he is ashamed to refuse, and does not care to accept.
  • Extract from : « Luttrell Of Arran » by Charles James Lever
  • I could grow eloquent over my gifts, if it were not that my bashfulness might embarrass me.
  • Extract from : « Tony Butler » by Charles James Lever
  • I did not say anything for fear I should embarrass her, but I felt grieved to the heart.
  • Extract from : « The Memoires of Casanova, Complete » by Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
  • But don't question me further, please, or you will embarrass me.
  • Extract from : « Mary Louise in the Country » by L. Frank Baum (AKA Edith Van Dyne)
  • But I just couldn't help it, and I promise not to embarrass you again.
  • Extract from : « 'Smiles' » by Eliot H. Robinson

Synonyms for embarrass

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019