abashing
/əˈbæʃɪŋ/
VERB
1. Causing embarrassment or shame
Making someone feel embarrassed, ashamed, or self-conscious, especially because of criticism, an awkward situation, or unwanted attention.
1.1. Social embarrassment and shame
Used when someone's words, actions, or circumstances cause another person to feel embarrassed or ashamed in a social situation.
Synonyms
- embarrassing
- humiliating
- mortifying
- shaming
- chagrining
Antonyms
- reassuring
- encouraging
- comforting
- emboldening
Examples
- The public criticism was abashing for the young employee.
- She found the unexpected personal question abashing.
- His abashing remarks made the guests uncomfortable.
Related Words
- embarrassment
- shame
- mortification
- self-consciousness
- awkwardness
1.2. Undermining confidence or composure
Used when something unsettles a person, makes them lose confidence, or leaves them feeling flustered or disconcerted.
Synonyms
- disconcerting
- discomfiting
- flustering
- unsettling
- discomposing
- mortifying
Antonyms
Examples
- The interviewer's abashing questions made the candidate hesitate.
- The unfamiliar audience had an abashing effect on the inexperienced speaker.
- Despite the abashing attention, he continued his presentation.
Related Words
- composure
- confidence
- poise
- nervousness
- uncertainty
- self-possession