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

Derived Forms

• aˈbashment, noun

Other Words From

• a·bashment 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

Rag′abash, a low fellow; Rag′amuffin, a low, disreputable person.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor did her presence in the least abash the boys, for they saw no impropriety in the act.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the supreme solemnity of the Wafer borne through the kneeling streets cannot abash the trustful gaze of childhood.

From Project Gutenberg

How strong and pure the fire in her must be when her father's presence could not abash her from this betrayal of her love!

From Project Gutenberg

The young lady looked rather astonished, and not over well pleased, but this did not in any way abash Mr Glover.

From Project Gutenberg