abash

UK: əˈbæʃ | US: əˈbæʃ

Definition

  1. vt. to cause someone to feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed

Structure
a <intensive prefix>bash <to strike, dismay>
Etymology

abash = a<intensive prefix> + bash<to strike, dismay>

  • a- (intensive prefix): A reduced form of Old English or Latin prefixes like "ad-" or "an-," often used to intensify the root's meaning.
  • bash (from Old French baïr, "to gape in astonishment"): Originally implied striking someone into a state of shock or confusion, later narrowed to emotional discomposure.

Etymology Origin:
The word "abash" entered Middle English from Old French esbaïr (to gape in wonder or fear), blending the intensive prefix "a-" with the root "bash," which conveyed a sense of being struck dumb or stunned. Over time, the physical connotation of being struck faded, leaving the emotional sense of embarrassment or shame.

Examples

  1. Her blunt criticism abashed him into silence.

  2. The child was abashed when he forgot his lines in the play.

  3. Nothing could abash the confident speaker.

  4. He tried not to let the unexpected question abash him.

  5. Their laughter abashed her, making her regret the clumsy remark.