embarrassed
UK: ɪmˈbærəst | US: ɪmˈbærəst
adj. feeling self-conscious, awkward, or ashamed
adj. hindered or complicated by obstacles or confusion
v. (past tense of "embarrass") caused someone to feel self-conscious or ashamed
The word "embarrassed" traces back to the French "embarrasser" (to block, hinder), which itself derived from Spanish/Portuguese "embaraçar" (to entangle). The core idea of obstruction (barr = barrier) evolved metaphorically to describe emotional or social hindrance—feeling "blocked" by shame or awkwardness. The suffix "-assed" marks it as a state resulting from this obstruction.
She felt embarrassed when she tripped in front of the crowd.
His clumsy apology only made the situation more embarrassed.
The project was embarrassed by constant delays.
They were embarrassed to admit their mistake.
His face turned red, clearly embarrassed by the attention.