abash

[uh-bash]

verb (used with object)

1. to destroy the self-confidence, poise, or self-possession of; disconcert; make ashamed or embarrassed.

   to abash someone by sneering.

   Synonyms: embarrass, discompose, shame

abash

/ əˈbæʃ /

verb

1. (tr; usually passive) to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed

Other Word Forms

• abashment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abash¹

1275–1325; Middle English abaishen < dialectal Old French abacher, Old French abaissier to put down, bring low ( abase ), perhaps conflated with Anglo-French abaiss-, long stem of abair, Old French esba ( h ) ir to gape, marvel, amaze ( es- ex- ¹ + -ba ( h ) ir, alteration of baer to open wide, gape < Vulgar Latin *batāre; bay ², bay ³ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of abash¹

C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out + bair to gape, yawn

Example Sentences

“We have quite a lot of work to do,” Chiappe says, looking somewhat abashed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This is not about running against them, it’s about running on what our record is. I’m very conservative, I’m not abashed by that and I challenge anybody’s record against mine that’s running,” Mr. Hern said.

Read more on Washington Times

“We need money,” the older Gala blurts out to the abashed Dalí during one bellicose confrontation over his lack of productivity, “money, money!”

Read more on New York Times

Jarreau continues and Belafonte remains slightly abashed until his smile broadens, as if he's accepting his signature tune's supernaturally unifying power.

Read more on Salon

He sags slightly each time, giving her a baleful look until she abashedly admits to jumping to conclusions.

Read more on Seattle Times