abash Hear it!

abash Definition

abash (ə bas̸h′)

transitive verb

to make embarrassed and ill at ease; make self-conscious; disconcert

Etymology: ME abaishen < OFr esbahir, to astonish < es-, intens. (< L ex-) + stem of baer, to gape: see bay

abash Related Forms

abash′·edly (-əd lē) adverb abash′·ment noun

abash Synonyms

abash

v.

embarrass, disconcert, rattle*; see embarrass 1. See syn. study atembarrass.

abash Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • little: He was a little abashed by her regal composure.
  • rather: Naturally, I was rather abashed at the prospect of meeting a couple who have taken such an interest in me and the college.

Browse dictionary entries near abash

  1. ‹ abasement
  2. ‹ abase
  3. ‹ abandonment
  4. ‹ abandonee
  5. ‹ abandoned property
  6. ‹ abandoned
  7. ‹ abandon
  8. ‹ abalone
  9. ‹ abaft
  10. ‹ Abaddon
  1. abate ›
  2. abatement ›
  3. abatement clause ›
  4. abatis ›
  5. abator ›
  6. abattoir ›
  7. abaxial ›
  8. abbé ›
  9. abba ›
  10. abbacy ›