embarrassed
UK[ɪmˈbærəst]US[ɪmˈbærəst]
adj
feeling ashamed, self-conscious, or awkward.
adj
(of a situation) causing someone to feel this way.
Morpheme Breakdown
em
barr
assed
em
in, into
barr
bar, obstacle
assed
Etymology
the word 'embarrassed' originates from the french verb 'embarrasser', meaning 'to block' or 'to obstruct'. this french term itself derives from the spanish/italian 'embarazar', based on 'barra' (bar, barrier). the core concept is of being impeded or hindered. over time, this literal sense of physical obstruction evolved metaphorically into the psychological state of being hindered by social discomfort, self-consciousness, or shame, leading to the modern meaning. the english adjectival form 'embarrassed' directly captures this feeling of being mentally or socially 'blocked'.
Analysis
Structure: em + barr + assed
em- (latin, prefix meaning 'in, into'), barr- (spanish/italian, from 'barra' meaning 'bar, obstacle'), -assed (english, past participle/adjectival suffix).
Examples
she felt deeply embarrassed by her mistake in front of the whole team.
there was an embarrassed silence after he told the inappropriate joke.
he was embarrassed to admit he needed help with the simple task.