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more about embarrassing
embarrassing |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Embarrass \Em*bar"rass\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Embarrassed}; p. pr & vb n. {Embarrassing}.] [F. embarrasser (cf. Sp embarazar Pg embara?ar, Pr barras bar); pref. em- (L. in) + LL barra bar. See {Bar}.] 1. To hinder from freedom of thought, speech, or action by something which impedes or confuses mental action to perplex; to discompose; to disconcert; as laughter may embarrass an orator. 2. To hinder from liberty of movement; to impede; to obstruct; as business is embarrassed; public affairs are embarrassed. 3. (Com.) To involve in difficulties concerning money matters; to incumber with debt; to beset with urgent claims or demands; -- said of a person or his affairs; as a man or his business is embarrassed when he can not meet his pecuniary engagements. Syn: To hinder; perplex; entangle; confuse; puzzle; disconcert; abash; distress. -- To {Embarrass}, {Puzzle}, {Perplex}. We are puzzled when our faculties are confused by something we do not understand. We are perplexed when our feelings, as well as judgment, are so affected that we know not how to decide or act We are embarrassed when there is some bar or hindrance upon us which impedes our powers of thought, speech, or motion. A schoolboy is puzzled by a difficult sum; a reasoner is perplexed by the subtleties of his opponent; a youth is sometimes so embarrassed before strangers as to lose his presence of mind. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: embarrassing adj 1: hard to deal with especially causing pain or embarrassment; "awkward (or embarrassing or difficult) moments in the discussion"; "an awkward pause followed his remark"; "a sticky question"; "in the unenviable position of resorting to an act he had planned to save for the climax of the campaign" [syn: {awkward}, {sticky}, {unenviable}] 2: causing to feel shame or chagrin or vexation; "the embarrassing moment when she found her petticoat down around her ankles"; "it was mortifying to know he had heard every word" [syn: {mortifying}]
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