Abash is a word that is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it has an interesting history and meaning. In this article, we will explore the definitions, origins, and associations of the word abash. We will also look at its synonyms, antonyms, and examples of how it can be used in a sentence.
Definitions
The word abash is a verb that means to cause someone to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or uneasy. It can also mean to make someone feel inferior or unworthy.
Origin
The word abash comes from the Middle English word “abassen,” which means to put down or humble. It was first used in the 14th century and has its roots in Old French and Latin.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, abash means to destroy the self-confidence or self-possession of someone. The Oxford English Dictionary states that abash means to cause someone to feel ashamed or embarrassed. The Cambridge Dictionary defines abash as to make someone feel ashamed or uncomfortable.
Associations
Abash is often associated with feelings of embarrassment or shame. It can also be associated with situations where someone is made to feel inferior or unworthy. Abashment is the noun form of abash and can be used to describe the feeling of being embarrassed or ashamed.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of abash include embarrass, humiliate, shame, mortify, and discomfit.
Antonyms
Antonyms of abash include encourage, inspire, uplift, and embolden.
The same root words
The word abash has several root words that are related to its meaning. These include bashful, which means shy or easily embarrassed, and abashedly, which means in a manner that shows embarrassment or shame.
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of how the word abash can be used in a sentence:
- The teacher’s harsh criticism abashed the student and made him feel stupid.
- She was abashed when she realized she had been talking too loudly in the library.
- The politician was not abashed by the negative comments from the media.
- He tried to abash his opponent by pointing out his mistakes during the debate.
- The CEO’s arrogance was not abashed by the company’s recent failures.