Abashing

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. To induce a state of embarrassment or shame in an individual, creating feelings of self-consciousness and discomfort in social situations
2. To evoke feelings of humiliation and insecurity in someone, compelling them to feel uncomfortable or inadequate in their circumstances
3. Producing a feeling of awkwardness or self-doubt by drawing attention to someone's mistake or flaw

Etymology: The verb "abash" began as a bodily image. Its ancestor in Old French, "esbaïr," meant to be stunned or startled, and it was built from "es-," meaning "utterly," plus "baïr," meaning "to astonish." Behind that lies a Medieval Latin verb, "exbadō," formed from "ex-" and "bado," meaning "to gape" or "yawn." The root is onomatopoeic, imitating the open-mouthed stare of someone caught off guard, and the same root gave French "badaud," a rubbernecker or gawker. English took the word in the early 14th century, when Middle English "abaisen" and "abashen" meant to lose one's composure or be upset. Only later in that century did it take on its social sense of making someone ashamed or embarrassed. The present form "abashing" carries that meaning: the feeling of being exposed and found wanting, a long way from the original image of a mouth hanging open in surprise.

Synonyms: embarrassing, humiliating, shaming, disconcerting, disgracing

Antonyms: comforting, reassuring, uplifting, encouraging, validating