The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

abash

IPA:

Dictionary definition of abash

To embarrass, disconcert, or cause someone to feel self-conscious or ashamed.
"He tried to abash his rival with a sarcastic remark."

Detailed meaning of abash

When someone is abashed, they experience a sense of unease or humiliation due to a particular event, action, or remark. It involves making someone feel uncomfortable or uneasy, often by undermining their confidence or exposing their vulnerabilities. Abashing someone can occur through various means, such as public criticism, teasing, or revealing personal information. The intention behind abashing may vary, ranging from an attempt to exert power or dominance over others to a result of thoughtlessness or insensitivity. Overall, the verb "abash" describes the act of causing someone to feel embarrassed or ashamed, leading to a temporary loss of composure or confidence in a given situation.

Example sentences containing abash

1. His rude comment didn't abash her; instead, she stood up for herself.
2. The confident speaker's eloquence didn't abash the audience; they were captivated.
3. The unexpected compliment made him blush, but it didn't abash him.
4. Despite the criticism, she refused to let it abash her enthusiasm.
5. The actor's confident performance didn't abash his fellow cast members; it inspired them.
6. The teacher's encouraging words abashed the shy student, but in a positive way.

History and etymology of abash

The verb 'abash' has an interesting etymological journey that takes us back to the late Middle English period. It comes from the Old French word 'esbair,' which means 'to gape' or 'to be open-mouthed in astonishment.' This sense of being caught off guard or surprised evolved into a broader meaning of causing someone to feel embarrassed or disconcerted. The transformation continued in Middle English, where 'esbair' became 'abashen,' reflecting the shift in meaning towards making someone feel self-conscious or ashamed. So, when we use the verb 'abash' today, we are invoking its historical connection to the act of surprising or disconcerting someone to the point of causing them embarrassment or self-consciousness, highlighting the unexpected nature of this emotion.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb abash:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of abash

1. The challenging question from the professor didn't abash the diligent student; he welcomed the opportunity to learn.
2. The confident leader's decisive actions didn't abash his team; it instilled trust.
3. The interviewer's probing questions didn't abash the job applicant; she answered them with confidence.
4. The presenter's humorous opening didn't abash the audience; it set a light-hearted tone.
5. The unexpected setback didn't abash the determined athlete; he continued to train harder.
6. The constructive criticism didn't abash the artist; it motivated him to improve his work.
7. The confident dancer's flawless performance didn't abash her competitors; it pushed them to excel.
8. The confident entrepreneur's bold ideas didn't abash his investors; they saw potential in his vision.
9. The negative comments didn't abash the passionate activist; they fueled her determination.
10. The comedian's self-deprecating humor didn't abash the audience; it made them laugh even harder.
11. The chef's experimental dish didn't abash the diners; they appreciated his creativity.
12. The public speaking mishap didn't abash the seasoned politician; she quickly recovered and continued her speech.
13. The critical review didn't abash the ambitious author; it motivated him to work on his next project.
14. The confident singer's powerful voice didn't abash the audience; it left them in awe.