OpenSynonym

abash

/əˈbæʃ/

VERB

1. To embarrass or humiliate someone

To make someone feel ashamed, self-conscious, or inferior, especially by exposing a mistake, drawing unwanted attention, or causing embarrassment.

1.1. Personal embarrassment and shame

Used when someone's words, actions, or circumstances cause another person to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or uncomfortable about themselves.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The unexpected question seemed to abash him during the interview.
  • She was abashed when she realized that she had misunderstood the instructions.
  • The teacher corrected the mistake privately so as not to abash the student in front of the class.

Related Words

1.2. Loss of composure and confidence

Used when someone is made uneasy, confused, or disconcerted and temporarily loses their usual confidence, composure, or ability to respond naturally.

Synonyms

  • disconcert
  • discomfit
  • fluster
  • confuse
  • unsettle
  • perturb
  • faze
  • rattle
  • discompose

Antonyms

Examples

  • The unexpected question seemed to abash him during the interview.
  • Despite the audience's scrutiny, she did not allow it to abash her performance.
  • The hostile questions failed to abash the experienced speaker.

Related Words

1.3. Disturbing or upsetting someone emotionally

Used when an unexpected event, remark, or situation troubles someone, causing emotional discomfort, agitation, or uneasiness that interferes with their peace of mind.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The unexpected accusation seemed to abash the normally composed witness.
  • His harsh remarks abashed her and made it difficult for her to continue speaking.
  • The sudden confrontation abashed the young employee during the meeting.

Related Words

1.4. To degrade or diminish someone's dignity

Used when someone is made to feel inferior or loses confidence through degrading treatment, disrespect, or an attack on personal dignity.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The supervisor's insulting remarks abashed the employee in front of the entire team.
  • She refused to let the criticism abash her or undermine her self-respect.
  • The humiliating treatment abashed the young man, although he tried not to show it.

Related Words