embarrassment
UK: ɪmˈbærəsmənt | US: ɪmˈbærəsmənt
n. a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness
n. a situation or event causing such a feeling
n. an act or instance of hindering or obstructing (archaic)
The word "embarrassment" traces back to the French verb embarrasser (to block, hinder, or perplex), which likely derived from the Spanish embarazar (to impede). The root barra (bar or obstacle) is embedded in the term, reflecting the idea of being "blocked" emotionally or socially. Over time, the meaning shifted from physical obstruction to the psychological state of discomfort or shame. The suffix -ment (from Latin -mentum) nominalizes the action or result, solidifying its modern usage.
She felt a deep embarrassment after tripping in front of the crowd.
His rude comment caused an awkward embarrassment at the dinner table.
Forgetting her speech was a minor embarrassment during the ceremony.
The outdated policy became an embarrassment to the organization.
He tried to laugh off his embarrassment after spilling the drink.