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 a wuss.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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