abash
/ə'bæʃ/
Definition
- Verb:
- To cause someone to feel embarrassed, self-conscious, or disconcerted; to make someone feel ill at ease or ashamed, often by causing a sudden loss of composure or confidence.
Usage
The verb "abash" is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the person who is made to feel embarrassed). It is typically used in more formal or literary contexts. It describes the action of inducing a state of embarrassment or awkward self-awareness in someone else.
Examples
- Verb:
- His critical remarks completely abashed the young speaker.
- She was not abashed by their sudden attention; she continued her speech confidently.
- Nothing could abash him; he was always self-assured.
Advanced Usage
- "to be abashed": This is the common passive construction, describing the state of feeling embarrassed.
- He stood abashed before his teacher, realizing his mistake.
- "abashing" (present participle/adjective): Used to describe something that causes embarrassment.
- She gave him an abashing look that made him apologize immediately.
Variants and Related Words
- Abashed (adj.): Feeling or showing embarrassment, self-consciousness, or discomfiture.
- He had an abashed expression on his face.
- Abashment (n.): The state or feeling of being embarrassed.
- Her abashment was evident when she forgot the lyrics on stage.
Synonyms
- Embarrass: To cause someone to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed.
- Disconcert: To disturb the composure of; unsettle.
- Mortify: To cause someone to feel very embarrassed or ashamed.
- Fluster: To make someone agitated or confused.
Antonyms
- Encourage: To give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
- Reassure: To say or do something to remove someone's doubts or fears.
- Comfort: To cause someone to feel less worried, upset, or frightened.
Verb
-
cause to be embarrassed; cause to feel self-conscious
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
