Definition of embarrass

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em·bar·rass    (m-brs) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
em·bar·rassed, em·bar·rass·ing, em·bar·rass·es

1. To cause to feel self-conscious or ill at ease; disconcert: Meeting adults embarrassed the shy child.
2. To involve in or hamper with financial difficulties.
3. To hinder with obstacles or difficulties; impede.
4. To complicate.
5. To interfere with (a bodily function) or impede the function of (a body part).

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ETYMOLOGY:
French embarrasser, to encumber, hamper, from Spanish embarazar, from Italian imbarazzare, from imbarazzo, obstacle, obstruction, from imbarrare, to block, bar : in-, in (from Latin; see en-¹) + barra, bar (from Vulgar Latin *barra)

OTHER FORMS:
em·barrassed·ly(Adverb), em·barrass·ing·ly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
embarrass, abash, chagrin, discomfit, disconcert, faze, rattle¹

These verbs mean to cause someone to feel self-conscious and uneasy: were embarrassed by their child's tantrum; felt abashed at the extravagant praise; will be chagrined if my confident prediction fails; was discomfited by the sudden personal question; is disconcerted by sarcastic remarks; refuses to be fazed by your objections; isn't easily rattled before an audience.