embarrass
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Wikipedia.
Related to embarrass: replaceable
embarrass (one) about (something)
To cause one to feel shame about someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "embarrass" and "about." Don't embarrass him about falling down on stage during the talent show—he's upset enough as it is.
See also: embarrass
embarrass (someone) into (doing something)
To shame or humiliate someone into doing something. The newspaper ran an unflattering story about our CEO and embarrassed him into donating money to various charities. The other kids embarrassed me into starting the food fight by calling me names.
See also: embarrass
embarrass (someone) with (something)
To shame someone with something. Mom, I can't believe you embarrassed me with my baby pictures when all of my friends were over!
See also: embarrass
embarrassed about (something)
Shameful about something. I'm so embarrassed about falling down on stage during the talent show! Considering how well you played, you shouldn't feel embarrassed about losing.
See also: embarrass
financially embarrassed
Having little to no money. Any chance we can go out to dinner next week? I'm just a little financially embarrassed right now.
See also: embarrass
too (something) for words
Having some quality to a such a degree that it defies explanation or description. The bride was too beautiful for words. Her gown, her makeup, her hair—just stunning. We have to put an offer in. This house is too perfect for words! Marie, you are too kind for words. How can I ever thank you?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
embarrass someone about someone or something
to make someone feel bad or ashamed about someone or something. Please don't embarrass me by mentioning my mistake again. There is no need to embarrass her about her unfortunate sister.
See also: embarrass
embarrass someone into doing something
to shame someone into doing something. They tried to embarrass me into doing it, but I resisted. Juan tried to embarrass Fred into going home early.
See also: embarrass
embarrass someone with something
to use something to make someone feel bad or ashamed. Please don't embarrass me with that old story again. Maria embarrassed Henry with a reminder of what had happened.
See also: embarrass
financially embarrassed
Euph. broke. I'm a bit financially embarrassed at the moment. Gary found himself financially embarrassed when the time came to pay the bill.
See also: embarrass
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.