Embarrass \Em*bar"rass\ ([e^]m*b[a^]r"ras), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Embarrassed} ([e^]m*b[a^]r"rast); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Embarrassing}.] [F. embarrasser (cf. Sp. embarazar, Pg.
embara[,c]ar, Pr. barras bar); pref. em- (L. in) + LL. barra
bar. See {Bar}.]
1. To hinder from freedom of thought, speech, or action by
something which impedes or confuses mental action; to make
(a person) unpleasantly self-conscious; to perplex; to
discompose; to disconcert; as, laughter may embarrass an
orator. [WordNet sense 1]
Syn: abash, discompose, disconcert, discomfit, chagrin. [1913
Webster +PJC]
2. To hinder from liberty of movement; to impede; to
obstruct; as, business is embarrassed; public affairs are
embarrassed. [WordNet sense 2]
Syn: obstruct, blockade, block, hinder, stymie. [1913
Webster]
3. (Com.) To involve in difficulties concerning money
matters; to incumber with debt; to beset with urgent
claims or demands; -- said of a person or his affairs; as,
a man or his business is embarrassed when he can not meet
his pecuniary engagements.
Syn: To hinder; perplex; entangle; confuse; puzzle;
disconcert; abash; distress. -- To {Embarrass},
{Puzzle}, {Perplex}. We are puzzled when our faculties
are confused by something we do not understand. We are
perplexed when our feelings, as well as judgment, are so
affected that we know not how to decide or act. We are
embarrassed when there is some bar or hindrance upon us
which impedes our powers of thought, speech, or motion.
A schoolboy is puzzled by a difficult sum; a reasoner is
perplexed by the subtleties of his opponent; a youth is
sometimes so embarrassed before strangers as to lose his
presence of mind.
[1913 Webster]
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