embarrass
word
Definition
To make someone feel shy, uncomfortable, or ashamed in front of other people. It is often used when a situation causes social awkwardness or makes someone lose confidence.
Usage & Nuances
Usually takes an object: 'embarrass someone'. Common patterns: 'That embarrassed me', 'Don't embarrass yourself'. Stronger and more personal than 'make uncomfortable'. Related adjective: 'embarrassed' describes the feeling; 'embarrassing' describes the thing that causes it.
Example Sentences
Please don't embarrass me in front of my friends.
basic
His joke did not embarrass her.
basic
I didn't mean to embarrass you.
basic
She always tells baby stories to embarrass her brother at family dinners.
natural
I'm not trying to embarrass you, but your shirt is inside out.
natural
He laughed it off instead of letting the mistake embarrass him.
natural